THE FESTIVAL CAPITAL OF NORTHUMBERLAND From Living North magazine. This might have been on here before but given the huge success of the Lowry Exhibition we thought it was worth another mention The border town of Berwick-upon-Tweed is known for many things: its tumultuous history, its historic walls, its ongoing war with Russia. But there’s a new reputation beginning to surface, as Laura Steven discovers ‘The absolute joy of this job is being able to curate, commission and screen work in such an unusual location’ Berwick is often referred to as ‘that pretty place we pass through on the train’. Over the last few years, though, something rather exciting has started to happen: it’s becoming a destination in its own right. For a small town, Berwick is really starting to punch above its weight in terms of festivals. It’s been nearly 10 years since the inaugural Berwick Film & Media Arts Festival started the ball rolling, and since then both a Food & Beer Festival (launched seven years ago) and a new Literary Festival (taking place for the first time this year) have followed in its footsteps. With each event comes a loyal following; troops of enthusiastic organisers, exhibitors, guest speakers and visitors who are filling the town’s streets with passion and pride. Berwick Film & Media Arts Festival was born out of an innovative idea: to turn the town into a giant screen, beaming films and documentaries onto the plethora of historic buildings on offer. Nearly a decade on, Berwick is now the host of film premières, exclusive commissions, and directors and producers from all over the world. Not bad for a town with a population of less than 20,000. Next came the Food & Beer Festival: a celebration of growers, makers and producers in north Northumberland and the Borders. Held in the town’s 18th century barracks, the event is run solely by volunteers, and yet last year it attracted over 40 stallholders, live musicians, a programme of activities and in excess of 6,000 visitors – nearly three times the number of guests from the first year.
Posted on: Sun, 28 Sep 2014 07:34:38 +0000
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