Big Willow Event with Blazin Fiddles and te POOKa
The beautiful woodlands of the Brahan Estate will be transformed with magical creatures, the sounds of Blazin Fiddles, and be set ablaze with fire and light on the evening of May 26 2007.
As the finale to a year of Big Willow events and one of the highlights of the Highland 2007 programme, the performance will be a fitting end to the project with a unique and spectacular collaboration between te POOKa, Blazin Fiddles and the Big Willow Event.
Since the Big Willow sculpture was created in May 2006, it has drawn thousands of visitors to the Brahan Estate. Sadly, the work is a temporary structure with a limited life span and, rather than have it disintegrate in a random manner, the Scottish Basketmakers Circle, have ensured it will be taken down in style!
World renowned artist, Patrick Dougherty, who created the sculpture, said: “The beauty of the Scottish Highlands are forever in my mind and I am totally indebted to the hearty band of basketmakers who came from everywhere in Scotland to work on the sculpture.”
Based on the initial ideas behind the willow sculpture, the deconstruction show will take a step into the supernatural Highlands; standing stones, prophesy, superstition, folklore and heritage. The show will link the Highlands past and present and celebrate the construction and deconstruction of the Big Willow sculpture.
The audience will be led through the woodland in an enchanting procession of glowing paper lanterns and fantastical creatures. The magical promenade ends at the waterfront where the audience enters a world of Highland myth and magic.
Blazin Fiddles will create the soundtrack for the show,as Scotland’s ancient history and modern folklore are brought to life through music, fire and circus.
The show will culminate in the spectacular burning of the sculpture.
Commenting on the project, Helen Bennett, Head of Crafts at the Scottish Arts Council said: ‘We have been pleased to support this imaginative and ambitious artists’ venture which has been a memorable experience for Highland residents and visitors alike. It is fitting that it should culminate in celebration’.
Tickets cost £15 (£10 concessions) and are available through the Booth - www.thebooth.co.uk. They are also available from the Brahan Estate Office, Scottish Basketmakers Circle members, local outlets and at te POOKa and Blazin Fiddles events.
Tickets are limited so you are recommended to purchase them prior to the event.
Ends
Contact:
For further information on the Big Willow Project and to arrange interviews and press photo shoots contact:
Pamela Conacher, Project Manager:
Pamela.Conacher@care4free.net / Tel:01687 470320 mob:0781 8682505
Notes to editors:
• Big Willow Closing Event with Blazin Fiddles and te POOKa - 26 May 2007 at the Brahan Estate, near Dingwall. The event will be signposted from Maryburgh.
• Gates open 7pm with the performance starting at 8pm. This is an outdoor non – seated event so please come equipped.
• Managed byTripoductions.Ltd event management services
• Scottish Basketmakers Circle - An afternoon of basketmaking related activities will take place on the estate prior to the finale. Workshops, sales, demonstrations and other events will all add to the carnival atmosphere. From 2pm until 5pm
• For further information on Pushing the Boundaries exhibition contact: exhibitions@highland.gov.uk / Tel: 01463 710978
• Highland 2007, the year Scotland celebrates Highland culture, aims to promote the Highlands as a great place to live and to visit through showcasing the unique and special nature of Highland culture past, present and future. The project is a partnership between three principal funding agencies:The Highland Council, the Scottish Executive, and Highlands and Islands Enterprise. The year long celebration of Highland culture in 2007 will incorporate an exciting range of major and community events, as well as capital projects and ‘The Highland Promise’ for young people. See www.highland2007.com for full details. Highland 2007 is the first themed year planned by the Scottish Executive to promote Scotland as a great place to live and to visit.
• Images for reproduction are available from: info@finmacrae.com / Tel: 01862 892633