The idea
We want to create a trail of stunning artworks and live performances celebrating the rich stories of our Cheshire countryside - inspired by the worlds of Alan Garner, ancient folklore & tradition and using living nature around us.
We see a huge desire from people of all ages to discover the myths, legends and tales and an opportunity to create a unique countryside adventure that makes them accessible to all.
At a time when so much of the precious landscape is disappearing to become housing it is more important than ever that we do not lose our shared stories.
We are bringing local people together enlisting artistic expertise from theatre makers & storytellers to stone masons but also asking local historians, technologists and scientists to help us create something truly magical.
Your donation could help make it happen! To fund an artwork that uses nature, run a workshop or provide the equipment for an upcoming artist. Laying the groundwork for future well-loved local landmarks...
What we'll deliver
- A unique trail of 5 or more live events in locations across the Cheshire countryside (Pilot: Teggs Nose October 2021).
- Showcasing up to 10 exciting new performances & artworks by local artists showing our connections to nature.
- Helping establish a new theatre group in Macclesfield to devise original works and lead cultural events in the town.
- Providing bespoke audio, lighting, technology equipment for groups to regularly run spectacular outdoor events.
- Equipment for innovative ways to show art in nature like Augmented Reality & GPS starting with the Teggs Nose experience
- 10 extra specialist workshops to make the project: including storytelling, creating audio, props & costumes with nature.
Why it's a great idea
-Getting some of Britain’s most exciting artists, technologists, makers, theatre directors to come and work with local people to train, learn and make amazing works of art using technology and nature.
-Bringing a range of new workshops to the Macclesfield Heritage Centre open to all allowing people how to make amazing art in nature and lead grassroots cultural projects.
-Starting an important relationship with local groups, businesses and residents about how we treasure our folk heritage.
-Establishing a new performance group for Macclesfield open to everyone led by former Macclesfield College students which recently closed its Performing Arts course. They will develop works including The Dark Lady, Weirdstone and more to show what amazing local theatre makers can do.
-Giving people future resources to make more exciting creative projects - Reusing and repurposing all equipment and materials we use for future groups but also taking what we learned and sharing with others.
Steps to get it done
- Community Theatre Rehearsals - Every Sunday in October/November 2021
- Community Makers Sessions - Every Thursday & Saturday - September/October 2021
- Pilot Event at Happening - Teggs Nose Country Park - 30th October 2021
- Community Makers Sessions - Every Thursday & Saturday - March/April 2022
- Community Theatre Sessions - Every Sunday - March/April 2022
- Beltane Spring Celebration & Showcase - Multiple Locations TBC - April 2022
- Community Makers Sessions - Every Thursday & Saturday - September/October 2022
- Community Theatre Sessions - Every Sunday - September/October 2022
- Samhain Showcase Event - Multiple Locations TBC - October 2022
Rewards!
Please donate whatever you can. Our trail, events and workshops will always be free and open to everyone. Throughout our campaign we will offer rewards for our supporters including tickets for preview performances, real and virtual artworks by established Cheshire artists and unique props and costumes.
Give:
£10 - Ticket Invite to take part in our pilot at Teggs Nose pilot with AR Artworks by Jacki Clark - 30th October 2021
£20 - Ticket + a hand-crafted mask to join in the fun!
£30 - Ticket + Weirding Trail hoodie (limited to 50).
£50 - 2 Tickets and a custom Virtual Reality Artwork (limited to 10)*
£50 - 1 Ticket and limited edition personalised Virtual Reality Print (limited to 5)*
£100 - 1 Ticket and limited edition wearable tech costume (limited to 5).
£250 - Unlimited Tickets to previews and an Artwork* by local artist.
Thank you for your support - it means we can reach more people and offer new experiences.
*Artists to be announced once campaign is underway.
