Major changes are underway in the reorganisations of both these events at present.
Flag Festival - the group running this event are at this very moment reconstituting themselves. It is hoped that it will be possible to run this with a convenor or facilitator who coordinates others. It is felt that there is a desparate need to rebuild this group or this event is in danger of ceasing to exist. Elizabeth Green, Jean Povey and Geoff Dellow are some of those still involved.
Have you a view ? Shall we disband and all go home and watch TV ? Was this last year a success?
Lantern Procession. Apparently the organisation for this event is being handed down to a Community based organisation. Lanternhouse International is reported to be stepping down from being in charge of this event after a period of over twenty years of involvement (though nothing could be found to this effect on the Lanternhouse website - http://www.lanternhouse.org.uk/.
A meeting is being organised by the Lantern Supporters Club in the Old Friends at 6.30 pm Monday, October 15th. All those interested are urged to attend - however the choice of time may not be convenient to many.
If you are interested leave a message here and your details will be passed on. Please give name email (and phone if possible).
It has been suggested that the comments expressed in connection with the Flag Festival are equally applicable here as there has already been some evidence of certain people muscling in on the organisation to the detriment of the spirit of cooperation instilled by the event in the past.
What are your views?
8 comments:
It would definitely be a shame for the events to be forgotten.
However, once they become too much of a burden - and not enjoyable - and even detrimental to one's health .... perhaps it's time to review what's happening, explore the possibilities and then make the appropriate decision(s) ...
Good luck!!
Paul V
Is Lanternhouse International passing on the schedule for planning to the new organisers? It would be natural for a new group to seek and be given this type of support from the preceding group.
Is there a large space available for the manufacture of the lanterns, this is an integral part of the community activity and the Lanternhouse provided such a good space for a whole week, the schools were only available for a few sessions.
With the support of the Lanternhouse the community could continue this excellent activity BUT without it we will have to start from scratch without the financial support that the Lanternhouse was given by the wider community.
For me Lantern Festival is easily the town's best event. It's a magical spectacle and more than than, it's a brilliant community event. Everyone involved with it over the years should give themselves a massive pat on the back for maintaining an event that provides so much enjoyment. You know something's really captured the imagination when even teenagers readily get involved and aren't afraid to be seen doing so!
To let it fizzle out after its gained so much momentum would be an utter tragedy. Personally I think its shocking Lanternhouse is pulling back from it... if they don't do this what do they really do to justify their arts council wad??? But having said that I don't think the event would suffer from having a more low-key finale. How about getting people to hang their lanterns on a spiral of cable in Ford park so spectators can get a less fleeting look at them, have some great music (after all without a stage most people can't see much of a show anyway)... then unleash the fireworks!
I've just returned from talking to George Harris the new Executive director of Lanternhouse International who clarified the situation.
The making of lanterns and the procession have for some time been run by the Community and not Lanterhouse though they provide some facillities for for making of the lanterns. Tehy are very supportive of the event but have no input.
It is the finale in Ford Park which is now being handed over to the Community for the first time so that the whole event will be in their hands.
I am very encouraged that this wonderful event is being handed over 'seemlessly'. Well done to all those concerned.
It is still important that people should get involved for the reasons outlined in the original post as there are concerns that barriers were put in the way of some people starting early on the large figures that lead off each procession.
I hope both these festivals will do well in the future - they add a lot to the town as can be seen at the Ulverston web site - www.myulverston.co.uk
What happened at the meeting about the Lantern procession in the Old Friends last night?
Great work.
First - The Flag Festival - this last years festival was a great success with a new 'Flag Master and very efficient'
The Main problem is the inspirational for the team of flag maker/embroiderers may be leaving us.
Does this team still exist?
Also the idea has spread successfully to be used by Fashion Week which had another successful week this year - Ulverston is fast becoming the Fashion Centre for South Cumbria.
Second - Not only was the lantern-making and procession managed well by the people of the town but the Finale itself was run for the first time by a local Group - UCAN - with accolades all round. Thank you UCAN - it's great to see this level of creativity and team work taking place here.
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