The Beat Initiative proudly presents a unique spectacle of artistic, physical performance declaring that the world is a circus andLife Is A Carnival! The event takes place at the Botanic Gardens & Ulster Museum; and features a Carnival picnic in the park; circus actors and puppets on walkabout; singers on stage, music here and drumming there; twisting, tumbling gymnasts and, high above, aerial dancers on the wall.
All ages can participate in the Sunday afternoon Picnic in the Park through workshops for puppet making and puppet parading: as well as enjoying the entertainment that culminates in vertical dance on the wall of the Ulster Museum to a live soundtrack performed by The Carnival Band.
Life is a carnival where everyone’s involvement contributes to the fun and the reward of achievement. A picnic in the park sets the scene for communal celebration. The feast of art forms – from puppets to physical theatre and from drawing to dance – allows everyone to be a part of the carnival: and the skills being showcased richly deserve to be celebrated.
The event programme is free to attend. Life is a Carnival is funded by Legacy Trust UK, an independent charity which has been set up to create a lasting cultural legacy from the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games across the UK.
Vertical Dance Spectacular
The sight of beautifully costumed and choreographed vertical dance on the wall of the Ulster Museum is not likely to be something anyone will soon forget. For this project, Beat is continuing to work with specialist choreographer, Kate Lawrence. Kate was responsible for the unique training to create Beats spectacular Fly Butterfly vertical dance performance on the wall of Belfast City Hall in 2009.
Carnival Band Music
It wouldn’t be a carnival without some live music to enjoy. Donal Scullion, leader of the popular NI Soul Troop has composed a theme song for the event. It will be the soundtrack to the final performance of gymnastic theatre and wall dancing. The 40-strong Carnival Band is made up of a trio of bakers dozens: 13 musicians; 13 singers from the award winning Open Arts Choir; and 13 Beatndrum carnival drummers. Beatndrum, firm favourites of street entertainment and festival merry-making, will also be adding their iconic summery samba sounds to the Puppet Parade during the afternoon.
We now have Liftoff
Life Is A Carnival! is the closing event of the Beats Liftoff project, which opened in 2009 with the Fly Butterfly spectacle on Belfast City Hall. The Liftoff project is funded by Legacy Trust UK, an independent charity set up to create a lasting cultural and sporting legacy from the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Liftoff is part of the Connections Programme managed by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.
London 2012 Open Weekend
Life is a Carnival! is part of the London 2012 Open Weekend, marking a year to the London Olympic Games. Between now and 2012, Games-inspired events will be taking place right around the UK. This year’s London 2012 Open Weekend, supported by BP, takes place on 2224 July. Celebrating one year to go to the Games, the nationwide programme will feature art, dance, film, sport events and more. There’s something for everyone!
For more information the event go to http://www.london2012.com/open-weekend.
