Strike up the band for arrival of torch
Last updated at 14:17, Saturday, 24 March 2012
AN international rock band could be coming to South Lakeland.
Council chiefs in the district are said to be in negotiations with an international rock band to mark the arrival of the Olympic torch.
The identity of the group, which originated in Kendal, is being kept under wraps until the arrangements are confirmed.
The celebration would take place on The Glebe at Bowness, on June 21, following the arrival of the torch aboard the boat MV Tern.
It would be followed by the launch of the already programmed Festival 2012 which is being organised by Kendal Arts International.
Jayne Kendall, South Lakeland District Council’s economic development manager, told members of the authority’s cabinet committee on Wednesday (21/3) that the extra musical event would help with the continuity of the day.
She said: “It has become apparent that there will be a gap between the arrival of the torch and the beginning of Festival 2012. This is because it is taking place on the longest day of the year and it could be up to an hour and three-quarters after the torch arrives before it is dark enough for the festival which is fireworks-based.
“We need to ensure that the community will come along and see this as one holistic event and not two things with a gap in the middle.”
If the concert goes ahead it is expected to cost £10,000 which would be funded from the Local Arts Development Fund.
Organisers are hoping the band may compose a special piece of music to mark the event which local schoolchildren could perform alongside them.
The cabinet committee heard if organisers are not able to secure the band an alternative act will be sought.
Councillor Hilary Stephenson, SLDC’s deputy leader, said: “Because this event takes place on mid-summers day we have got more hours of daylight than we require which gives us a gap in the programme.
“However, there was always an idea that the local community would be able to participate in some way and this idea would be perfect.”
First published at 10:38, Saturday, 24 March 2012
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk
Please be assured no mistake whatsoever has been made by Kendal Arts International nor Lakes Alive in relation to the event on the 21 June 2012. Best check facts before making such a bold assertion. Thank you
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I apologise for my mistake. I just thought that the question of continuity would have been considered in the (presumed) liaison between SLDC and Lakes Alive.
Posted by Stuart Jones on 16 July 2012 at 19:55