Friday 7 December 2012

Chester Performs hopes to play an important role in the cultural life of Chester.


Chester Performs hopes to play an important role in the cultural life of Chester. 
By Claire Henderson
Friday 7 December 2012 

Chester Performs hopes to play an important role in the cultural life of Chester with their projects. 

As an organisation that creates innovative art projects, Chester Performs aim to play an important role in the cultural life of Chester. Their work is designed to involve, encourage and inspire. 

15 locations around the city center will be used, including empty retail spaces and shop windows. Rogues’ Galleries will engage Chester’s shoppers, families and visitors thought a range of art works made by local and international artists. 
As well as ten daylong events, Chester Performs will commission artists to work with schools and community groups to make artworks, which will be displayed in the ‘shops’ during the event.  

“We’re hoping the event will play a part in enriching Chester’s cultural fabric, and enhance the public’s awareness of experiencing culture,” said Amber Knipe, Programme Manager at Chester Performs. “We hope it will contribute to Chester’s identity, and promote confidence in those who live in the city. We’re celebrating what is special about Chester.” 

Chester has been a bustling retail town since Tudor times, with a diverse range of shops and trades. Using this as a cornerstone for the event, and using the empty shops as venues, Chester Performs are looking for artworks and projects, which are digital, film, or performance focused which can be set within pop-up shops. 

“Taking names of the old trades, guilds and shops that would have made up the old city as a starting point, artists are invited to create their own trading premises to showcase their work to the public,” said Mrs Knipe. 

The project will to some extent show the struggles the high street has had with homogeneous brands and the effect this has on original thought. 

The projects will be on show from November 14th until November 24th 2013. 

Image provided by Chester Performs.

Monday 3 December 2012

Brussels Christmas Market Review


Brussels Christmas Market Review 
By Claire Henderson
Monday 3 December 2012 

BRUSSELS Christmas Market runs between the Bourse, Grand Place, Catherine and Marche Aux Poisons from the November 30th, 2012 to January 6th, 2013.

In comparison Chester Market falls drastically short of the experience Brussels has to offer. The Brussels Christmas Market celebrates Christmas in style with an illuminated walking route of more then two kilometres, with cultural, traditional and fun activities from Place St. Jean and the Marche Aux Poisons. 

There are 240 chalets are located around the Bourse and on the Marche aux Poissons that sell original gifts, food from different parts of the world, decorations and much more.  

The market was filled with entertainment and rides, an ice rink featuring shows, ‘The Slalon’ a toboggan ride for the whole family, ‘Andrea’s merry-go-rounds’ and The big wheel were located at the Marche aux Poissons. These are only four examples of the entertainment and rides, which are scattered around the market. 

The most exciting attraction is the XmasTree. The monumental 25 meter tall tree is made of steel and wood covered in fabric. It is kitted out with flash garlands, LEDs and video mapping to provide a spectacular show.  

Every year the Market Square is turned into a spectacular venue holding the sound and light show of Winter Wonders: Electrabel Nights. The XmasTree! Is a 360 degree show and a unique symbiosis between UNESCO architectural heritage lighting and a contemporary electronic Christmas tree. The enchanting show lit up the entire square showing off the beautiful architecture in Market Square.  

The Brussels Christmas Market experience is one of a kind and is a recommendation I would make to anyone who would like a weekend away to shop, relax and get into the spirit of Christmas. A lot of walking is required to get around the chalet stalls so walking boots are essential as well as a warm coat to beat off the cold.   


The XmasTree! found at Market Square.


Saturday 1 December 2012

Cineworld to screen Autism Friendly Films to accommodate those who cannot attend normal screenings.


Cineworld to screen Autism Friendly Films to accommodate those who cannot attend normal screenings. 
By Claire Henderson
Saturday 1 December 2012 

Dimensions, the leading social care provider has announced that Autism Friendly Films will be screened twice a month because of its new partnership with a second national cinema chain.  

The Not-for-profit organization who supports those who experience autisms and people with learning disabilities, has partnered with Cineworld to extend its Autism Friendly Film initiative. Screenings will now happen across the UK in more than 100 cinemas every two weeks as Dimensions teams up with Cineworld and its first partner, ODEON.  

The project between Dimensions and ODEON began in August 2011 and since then the screenings have grown with popularity. This is the first time a social care provider has teamed up with two entertainment companies in this way. This offers a wider choice for cinema-goers.  

The unique partnership allows Dimensions to advise the adjustments needed for people with autism and sensory differences which will allow them to enjoy watching films in an environment conducive to their needs.  

Lisa Hopkins, executive director of practice and development at Dimensions, said that having two such partnerships would make more opportunities for people with autism to be included in their communities.  

“We are really pleased to be partnering with Cineworld to extend this important and successful project even further,” said Lisa.  

She explained how people who maybe excluded from the normal cinema experience, because they find the sensory experience too hard to manage, will be able to watch more films more often in a cinema adapted to their needs. 

“These opportunities are important stepping stones towards full inclusions in mainstream cinemas,” she said. 

The cinema experience can be challenging, but it is one that can be changed and made accessible by good partnership working. Dimensions have seen how successful such initiatives can be, in just the first year 21,000 people watched screenings organized with ODEON, with prospects of building upon that further. 

Jo Cook, who supports two people who attend Autism Friendly Film Screenings, sad: “It is a fabulous idea that I hope continues for years to come. It’s wonderful seeing children enjoying themselves who otherwise would not be able to attend for many different reasons. We look forward to the next film showing.” 

Tamlin McKinnon, head of customer services at Cineworld, said: “Cineworld are delighted to be teaming up with Dimensions to extend the range of screenings that will show and welcome in an audience who may have previously felt the cinema experience off-putting.” 

Every month Cineworld will provide Autism Friendly Screenings in 21 of their cinemas. Nativity 2: Danger in the Manger will be the first screening on December 2nd at 11am. ODEON’s next screening will be in more than 80 of their cinemas, it will also be Nativity 2: Danger in the Manger, on December 16th at 11.30am.