BAM festival hits the high notes (From Leigh Journal)

BAM festival hits the high notes in Tyldesley

12:10pm Wednesday 20th February 2013 in News

LAST Friday is a date to go down in history where ‘artistic deprivation’ became a thing of the past.

That's the view of BAM-Fest organiser Ian Jackson following a three day arts and music festival held in Tyldesley.

Positive activities for young people were applauded by Trevor Barton MBE Chief Executive of Leigh Centurions RLFC and chairman of Leigh Sports Trust.

Praising the work of the town's Cadence Cafe community culture organisers and volunteers he said: “This is also a perfect example of how sport and arts can work together to provide positive opportunities in music and the arts with sport available in a positive activity mix, for young people.”

The festival exploded into life with music from Inside View, Loor La Los Heroes and Tyldesley bands The Ninth Watch and Raised By Wolves.

Saturday began with a master class in cake decorating, nail designing and animation followed by an interactive drama class from young actress Sophie Willen, brought in by BAM-Fest partner, Curious Minds Youth Arts Bridge Organization.

Script Shop and Friends - the Leigh-based creative writing group packed Cadence Café with writers, poets, orators and storytellers.

Urban Explorer Dave Broad who did a Q & A discussion, hosted by young presenter Beth Hooper supported by ‘hidden’ industrial photography. a behind the scenes look at Britain’s hidden architectural and historical gems.

Guitar man Cameron provided the entertainment while the bands Standing Room Only, The Drive, Indi-funk combo Ford & The Shouts and Purge.entertained in the town's pubs and bars.

Sunday was a first for Tyldesley with a partnership event with the recently formed Leigh Arts, Television & Film Association. A feature film produced in Leigh by NagNag Productions called “Echoes” got a wide screen showcase. Three short films by Wayne Reedman, The Metropolitan Film School’s “The Factory Act,” a promo from Wayne’s new musical, “Boudicca: First Britannia Queen” and a film by the young people of Butts Bridge Tenants & Residents Association, “The Park.”

Ian Jackson said: “Not just the response but the attitude to it from musicians, artists, the providers and their supporters, has been unbelievable.”

The next event in the Cadence Café CIC calendar, on top of the quickly established weekend band nights and poetry and regular verse nights, is a similar event over Easter period. Then summer Cadence Festival is planned for June 14 and 15.