The Civic Barnsley, Bringing the Party!

Cabaret, parades, theatre troupes and circus performers promise to bring the party for an epic day-long celebration hosted by The Civic in Barnsley.

The Garden Party on September 14 marks the tenth anniversary of The Civic. It also kick starts #OurNorth – a major season of exhibitions, pop-up events and community action – exploring Northern identity in the Arts this autumn.

The free family day out will feature a Tickertape Parade from Fantabulosa, performances by Pif-Paf and Zest Theatre, and circus acts with gravity defying aerial feats.

Jason White, Community Engagement Officer at the Civic, said: “Autumn 2019 see’s the Civic reaching its 10th anniversary, so we’re celebrating with a very special Garden Party. It will be an exciting free family day out showcasing high quality performances and fun activities for young and old.”

The day begins at 10.30am with Walkabout! A duo of ‘Victorian Gentleman Explorers’.

Major ‘Eddy’ Edward Edmund (expedition leader) and Lance Corporal Henry ‘stinker’ Hilary (4th in command) plot, plan and prod into uncharted territory, entertaining audiences on this exploration from the Gardens through Barnsley town centre. Dressed in tropical kit and pith helmets, they perform to the populace whilst puffing on a pipe.

From 11am till 3pm, the Rock Academy will deliver rock painting workshops for all ages. Rocks will be varnished then hidden for others to find and share online with the rock painting community.

Also at 11am, Zest Theatre presents ‘First Person’. Made especially for public spaces and influenced by video games; ‘First Person’ is a quirky fusion of fast paced narrative, physical theatre and silent disco technology.

At 11.45, Pif-Paf theatre troupe present ‘Seed’- a highly visual and technically ambitious poetic, anarchic and inspiring hitch-hike on the journey from small Acorns to great Oak Trees. Beautiful and fantastical, the show features pulsating plant beats, pneumatic theatrical explosions, flying soil and water, live music and a giant tree growing out of a shed.

Fantabulosa – a magical glitter-laden tickertape parade – hits the Gardens at 12.45. Featuring the UK’s leading drag artists with performance, songs and plenty of dressing up, it’s suitable for children aged 3 to 8, and adults who are young at heart.

At 1.45pm, a series of circus shorts will be clowning around before Zest Theatre returns at 2.30pm with their hi-tech production, ‘First Person’, and Fantabulosa bring more glitter at 3pm.

Pif-Paf also returns at 4pm continuing their performance of ‘Seed’ as Heath Robinson meets Mad Max-style inventions.

The day concludes at 6pm with a ticketed event in the Assembly Room featuring the Gossamer Thread Circus. Presenting ‘The Greatest Show on Earth’, audiences are invited to roll-up to witness world-class performers in a family show that promises to astound and amaze with gravity defying aerial feats and dazzling displays of dexterity.

Throughout the day, music is provided by the Barnsley Percussion Ensemble with refreshments and games available.

The Civic at 10

The anniversary year of The Civic sees a major celebration of Northern identity in the Arts.

The Civic’s autumn season will see creative visionaries, mavericks and the next generation of artistic iconoclasts descend on Barnsley for #OurNorth to engage and debate the future of arts and culture, and the role they play in the North.

The centrepiece is a major multi-media exhibition North: Fashioning Identity at The Civic, featuring over 100 photographs, fashion garments and artworks from a host of renowned photographers, designers, and artists from across the North.

A series of community and outreach events will run alongside #North, encouraging audiences to get involved in #OurNorth.

David Sinclair, Head of Visual Arts and Engagement at The Civic, said: “Straight-talk, true grit and a sense of community are all traits often associated with Northern identity but we want to explore beyond the stereotypes and ask what Northern identity means today. This promises to be a fascinating reflection of what it means to be northern. Northern style and culture – its music, film, sport, fashion, landscapes and communities – has a truly national and international resonance and impact.”

Venues across the town will play host to discussions, music, film screenings, debates, unique installations and the next generation of artworks and performances, all exploring the central theme of northern identity.

The 10^th anniversary autumn season is sponsored by Highlander Computing Solutions.

Steve Brown, Managing Director at Highlander Computing Solutions, said: “We are proud to sponsor The Civic, Barnsley and help them celebrate their 10th anniversary. The Civic have been a loyal customer of ours for the past six years and over that time we have developed an excellent ongoing relationship built on trust and mutual benefit. Partnering with The Civic on the Garden Party is a fantastic opportunity for us to be part of the fantastic work they do bringing excellent art to Barnsley and join them in connecting with our shared community.”

Find out more, visit barnsleycivic.co.uk

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