London 2012 Festival

Cultural OlyMpiadNORTH WEST

What’s On May–Sep 2012london2012.com/festival

Your guide to hundreds of free arts and culture events near you

Welcome to the Cultural Olympiad and London 2012 Festival in the North West

You’re invited to celebrate the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games this summer with the climax of the Cultural Olympiad, the largest cultural celebration in the history of the modern Olympic and Paralympic Movements. The past four years have already seen more than 18 million people all over the UK participating in or attending over 9,000 performances and more than 8,000 workshops as part of the Cultural Olympiad. Now is your chance to be part of this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

We’re bringing thousands of free arts and culture activities to your doorstep. Wherever you are, there will be something exciting for you to experience – including a ground-breaking spinning column of cloud, dazzling fireworks and percussion show on the shores of Lake Windermere and a large scale projection of digital handprints generated from the Olympic experiences of people in the North West. Visit www.nwfor2012.com to find out more and here is a flavour of what’s on near you…

WE PLAY Challenge Create your own Olympic journey and leave your mark on London 2012. Take the WE PLAY Challenge and earn reward points for your London 2012 activities. Upload your handprint to be part of a digital artwork that captures people’s connections with London 2012 in the North West. Share your experiences online and see the artwork grow as more people sign up and interact. Join the WE PLAY community at the WE PLAY Expo in Preston on 7–9 September and play with Handprint 2012.

Join In: Sign up, upload your handprint and begin your journey at www.nwfor2012.com

Take Part: Enjoy events across the North West and be part of an interactive network. Record your experiences and earn reward points.

Turn Up: Come and celebrate the final weekend of the Games at the WE PLAY Expo.

� Until 30 Sep

� Online

� FREEWE PLAY Challenge/Handprint 2012 is commissioned by WE PLAY and is funded by Legacy Trust UK. WE PLAY is the North West’s cultural legacy programme for London 2012.

Photo: Handprint 2012. Credit: Alastair Eilbeck

#media2012Join the international network of citizen journalists for 2012 Games. Tag your media content as #media2012 to take part.

MAKE YOUR MARK ON LONDON 2012!

Join in the national celebration this summer – there’s something for everyone

Arts Council England is proud to be a principal funder of the Cultural Olympiad and the London 2012 Festival – the finale of the Cultural Olympiad.

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Abandon Normal Devices Festival (AND)Be inspired by this festival of art, digital culture and new cinema in he North West. And be a part of the adventure created by artists, filmmakers and performers exploring new artistic parameters. The exhibitions, performances, screenings and debates will include:

• Pigs Bladder Football, John O’Shea will cultivate a 21st century ‘football’ out of living cells

• The first solo UK exhibition of American artist Stanya Kahn

• The Creator, a film commission from AL & AL

• The Humble Market: Trade Secrets exhibition created by UK and Brazilian artists

ColumnInternational artist Anthony McCall will create Column – a spinning column of cloud taller than Blackpool Tower that will rise from East Float, Wirral Waters, on the edge of the Mersey and directly opposite the city of Liverpool.

The sculpture will disappear and reappear in response to the weather and light conditions. On a sunny day it may register as a slender white line against a blue sky, on an overcast day, as a dark form within a grey mist.

Column is McCall’s largest and most ambitious project to date and is a continuation of years of sculptural and cinematic installations based on mist, projection and light.

� From Summer 2012 for 12 months

� East Float, Wirral Waters

� FREEArtists taking the lead is the UK Arts Councils’ flagship project for the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad. Column is a London 2012 Festival event.

Photo: Anthony McCall with one of the ‘Column’ working maquettes, 2011. Credit: Matthew Andrews

MAiN PROGRAMMES

• A touring programme of interactive Digital Caravans

• Swandown, a new film by Andrew Kötting

• An online project by media artist Mark Amerika

� 22 & 23 Jun (Launch) 29 Aug–2 Sep (Festival)

� Manchester and North West

� FREE and tickets required for some events

AND is presented by FACT and Cornerhouse, and is funded by Legacy Trust UK, Creative England and Wellcome Trust, and supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.

Photo: Swandown Credit: Andrew Kötting

ARtiStS tAKiNG thE LEAD

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MAiN PROGRAMMES

Lakes Alive Join local communities to celebrate the extraordinary abilities of artists from across the world. Outdoor performances and street arts include:

Water Fools, a water wonderland on Derwentwater created by French alchemists Ilotopie

The Banquet on Tour featuring some of the UK’s finest street performers

An aerial show with live music in Whitehaven Harbour performed by Voala from Spain and Argentina, plus street performance

Masquepony, the UK’s first Street Arts camping festival

Abandon Normal Devices, Blaze and Lakes Alive are part of WE PLAY, the North West four-year cultural legacy programme funded by Legacy Trust UK.

Blaze Enjoy art, dance, music, technology, fashion, urban sports and spoken word by young producers from Lancashire and the North West including:

Boom Bike Big Band, a touring ensemble of musicians and performers on bikes

The Chase, urban arts performance involving bikers, skaters, free runners and graffiti artists

Under the Town, the best in young people’s music, visual arts, fashion, film and dance in Blackpool

Street Quest, a narrative based Preston street game

� 19 May–2 Sep

� Lancashire

� FREEBlaze is a partnership project led by Lancashire County Council with Blackpool Council and Creative Lancashire and is co-produced with Brighter Sounds. Funded by Legacy Trust UK and supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.

Photo: Ride the Lights (Blaze) Credit: Brian Slater Photography

� 21 Jun–2 Sep

� Cumbria

� FREE, tickets required for some eventsLakes Alive is created and directed by Kendal Arts International with Manchester International Arts and is funded by Legacy Trust UK and supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.

Photo: Water Fools Credit: Heerlen Millstream

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The Moment When… Celebrate the Olympic Flame in the North West with dance, aerial performance, music and pyrotechnics – you can also join 500 performers from schools and community groups in dance flash mobs along the Torch Relay route. The Moment When… is a series of events taking place across Cheshire and Warrington. You can also celebrate the opening of an Olympic legacy building at Orford Jubilee Park and join the finale at Tatton Park.

� May–Jul

� Chester Race Course, Chester (29 May) / Orford Jubilee Park, Warrington (16 Jun) / Tatton Park, Knutsford (15 Jul)

� FREE, tickets required for some eventsThe Moment When… is a first time collaboration between Cheshire Dance and Walk the Plank and a commissioning partnership between Arts Counci England, Cheshire West and Chester, Cheshire East, Warrington Borough Council and the Cultural Olympiad, North West. Supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.

Photo: The Moment When... Credit: Adam Holloway

Looping the Loop Mark the start of the Games Time in the North West at Old Trafford and The Quays with performances and events that include:

London 2012 artwork by Matt English and six new community commissions

Walk the Plank, a new show with aerialists, pyro, boats and music

Super Critical Mass with 100 brass band players

Turkish Sufi dancing by Zia Aziz

All About Us and a variety of London 2012 inspired art, digital events, sport and Big Dance 2012.

� 19 May

� Old Trafford and The Quays, Greater Manchester

� FREELooping the Loop is led by Lets Go Global (Trafford Council with Salford City Council), The Quays Cultural Partnership, Marketing Manchester, London 2012 Look Programme, Walk the Plank and a commissioning partnership with the Cultural Olympiad, North West. It is funded by the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities (AGMA) and supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.

Photo: Looping the Loop Credit: Ziya Aziz

FOUR BiG MOMENtS

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FOUR BiG MOMENtS

On the Night Shift Welcome the arrival of the Olympic Flame at Lake Windermere and stay on the shores to enjoy a spectacular show brought to you by Les Commandos Percu. This is a world premiere for the French pyrotechnic experts who synchronise rhythmic drumming with dance and dazzling effects.

You can also celebrate the final day of the Olympic and Paralympic Games with Les Commandos Percu in Preston, at the WE PLAY Expo, the closing event of the Cultural Olympiad.

� 21 Jun

� Bowness on Windermere, Cumbria

� FREEOn the Night Shift is commissioned by Lakes Alive, Lake District National Park Authority, WE PLAY Expo and the London 2012 Festival. A London 2012 Festival event.

Photo: Les Commandos Percu (On Night Shift) Credit: Daniel Saint Leger

WE PLAY Expo London 2012 legacies are at the heart of this weekend of events. The Preston Guild City Festival provides the backdrop to celebrations during the final days of the Paralympic Games. Mark the culmination of our four-year Cultural Olympiad programme in the North West. Various programmes will come together for the first time, including Abandon Normal Devices Festival, Blaze and Lakes Alive. Eight commissions will be unveiled during the weekend:

Blaze Festival

The Humble Market

On the Night Shift

Handprint 2012

Why We Play

Emoto: Visualising Global Emotion

Moments that Matter

Digital Caravans

Plus special events, a film programme and big screen broadcasts of the Paralympic Games and London 2012 handover to Rio 2016.

� 7–9 Sep

� Avenham and Miller Parks, Preston

� FREEFunded by Legacy Trust UK and Preston City Council.

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The Humble Market Brazil comes to the UK in this live digital performance. The Humble Market challenges perceptions of theatre, inviting us to question social understanding and what we value. The performance was created by Persis-Jade Maravala, Jorge Lopez Ramos, Zecora Ura, Alastair Eilbeck and James Bailey. It is one of three events that experiment with digital interfaces and telepresence in theatre.

� 7–9 Sep

� WE PLAY Expo, Avenham and Miller Parks, Preston

� FREE, tickets required Other events include:

The Humble Market: Trade Secrets An interactive and experimental fusion of theatre and technology that brings audiences into the heart of the exchange to ask ‘What do we really trade?’ At FACT in Liverpool from 22 Jun–26 Aug 2012

The Humble Market: Place A trailer for the market’s 2013 tour at the Clock Tower and Peace Bridge in Derry from 7–9 Sep 2012. Involves local and international artists, including Paul Sermon. The Humble Market is a co-production between Abandon Normal Devices, FACT and Derry - Londonderry – City of Culture 2013. Commissioned by AND, FACT, WE PLAY Expo and Derry - Londonderry – City of Culture 2013. It is funded by Legacy Trust UK, Arts Council England and London 2012 Festival.

DiGitAL iNvENtiON

Handprint 2012 Large scale projection of live handprints controlled remotely online or with smart phones at the event. Created by Alastair Eilbeck and James Bailey with the WE PLAY Challenge community.

� 7–9 Sep

� WE PLAY Expo, Avenham and Miller Parks, Preston

� FREEHandprint 2012 is commissioned by WE PLAY and funded by Legacy Trust UK. A London 2012 Festival event.

Connecting Light This installation will celebrate the ancient Roman structure and will span the length of the wall. New York artists YesYesNo create a line of lights for sending messages along Britain’s most dramatic Roman frontier, Hadrian’s Wall.

� 31 Aug–1 Sep

� Hadrian’s Wall

� FREELondon 2012 Festival commission produced in partnership with Hadrian’s Wall Heritage and local partners. Supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.

Digital Caravans A convoy of interactive caravans will provide a connected environment for six new commissions.

� 1 Aug–6 Sep / 7–9 Sep

� Touring / WE PLAY Expo, Avenham and Miller Parks, Preston

� FREEAbandon Normal Devices Festival co-commission with London 2012 Festival, funded by Arts Council England and Legacy Trust UK.

Photo: Zecora Ura (The Humble Market) Credit: Thaise Nardin

Emoto: Visualising Global Emotion Emoto will collate global responses to London 2012 in a stunning web based visualisation. A data sculpture will exhibit the results at WE PLAY Expo.

� 26 Jul–9 Sep (online) / 7–9 Sep (Expo venue)

� www.emoto2012.org / WE PLAY Expo, Part Ground Floor, Former Post Office Counters Building, Preston (venue TBC)

� FREECreated by Moritz Stefaner, Drew Hemment, Studio NAND. Future Everything project with MIT Senseable City Lab. Supported by Datasift, co-sponsored by GE and funded by Legacy Trust and supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England. Commissioning partnership with the Cultural Olympiad, North West. A London 2012 Festival event.

Photo: The Gestalt of Digital Identity (Emoto) Credit: Studio NAND, 2009

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UK Premieres Why We Play Documentary by Mike Todd connecting sport and culture through play – take part for free by calling 0800 066 3620. A Riverhorse production commissioned by WE PLAY and funded by Legacy Trust UK.

Glory RoadDocumentary by Director Steve Read following three Liverpool amateur boxers fighting for an Olympic dream. A perfectmotion picture in co-production with Minnow Films. Supported by Channel 4 and Screen South.

� 7–9 Sep

� WE PLAY Expo, Avenham and Miller Parks, Preston

� FREE

FiLM SCREENiNGS

If you like film… Abandon Normal Devices Festival Live, interactive and new cinema with world premieres and midnight movies across Manchester.

Film Nation: Shorts Watch prizewinning movies by young filmmakers online.

A Hansel of Film: Shetland to Southampton and backRelay of shorts films by members of the public.

London 2012 FestivalNew film commissions by exciting UK filmmakers, Big Dance: Shorts and London 2012 event broadcasts across the North West.

Cultural Olympiad Shorts DadaVisions Seven film and video commissions from DaDaFest focusing on disability issues or created by disabled artists.

Me and Mine Short documentary on the identity of Chester’s community by Jan and Emily Dixon.

Mechanical GamesInteractive version of an international sporting competition for the masses developed by media artist and educator, Xtine Burrough.

Portrait of an AthleteShort film by Soup Collective on the Vanuatu Beach Volleyball Pre Games Training Camp in Crewe.

� See listings for details

We Face Forward: Art from West Africa Today This exhibition and music festival features 32 artists and a host of musicians from 11 West African countries. With 5 metre high chairs, an indoor forest of symbols, painting, photography, textiles and some of West Africa’s greatest musicians, forget everything you think you know about African art and embrace all that you don¹t yet know about the creativity of West African artists today.

� 2 Jun–16 Sep

� Whitworth Art Gallery / Manchester Art Gallery / Platt Hall, Manchester

� FREECurated by a team led by Dr Maria Balshaw, Director of Whitworth Art Gallery and Manchester City Galleries. A London 2012 Festival event. Supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.

Photo: Barthélémy Tuguo – Jugement Dernier (We Face Forward) Credit: the artist and Gallerie Lelong

Niet Normaal: Difference on DisplayThis ground-breaking international visual arts exhibition asks ‘what is normal and who decides?’. The work includes painting, photography, video and sculpture examining definitions of difference and normality. Artists include Bob and Roberta Smith, Bruce Nauman, Douglas Gordon, Javier Téllez, Birgit Dieker, Ben Cove and Aaron Williamson.

� 13 Jul–2 Sep

� DaDaFest, Liverpool

� FREEPresented by DaDaFest. A London 2012 Festival event.

Photo: Next Nature Baby, 2008 (Niet Normaal) Credit: Koert van Mensvoot

ExhiBitiONS

Photo: Glory Road Credit: Steve Read

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ExhiBitiONS ShOWCASES

Unlimited Celebrate disability and deaf arts and culture on an unprecedented scale at the UK’s largest disability and deaf arts festival. This includes Unlimited commissions which support collaboration between disability and mainstream art organisations, and disabled artists and producers. As part of London 2012 Festival are:

Liverpool’s Fittings Multimedia Arts create The Ugly Spirit, based on the lives of conjoined Siamese twins Change and Eng Bunker

Laurence Clark’s comedy show Inspired asks why everyday activities are inspirational when performed by disabled people

Rachel Gadsden’s Global Alchemy with the South African Bambanani group.

� 13 Jul–2 Sep

� DaDaFest, Liverpool

� FREE, tickets required for some eventsUnlimited is a partnership between London 2012, the UK Arts Councils, the British Council and the Olympic Lottery Distributor.

Photo: Laurence Clark (Inspired) Credit: Andy Hollingworth

Blaze FestivalMajor new festival for the North West produced and programmed by Blaze young producers, featuring regional, national and international work.

� 8 & 9 Sep

� WE PLAY Expo, Avenham and Miller Parks, Preston

� FREECo-produced with Brighter Sounds. Funded by Legacy Trust UK and supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.

Moments That Matter North West London 2012 legacy stories told through painting and photography by artist Lubaina Himid. Also online at www.nwfor2012.com

� 31 Aug–9 Sep: Shop Windows in Preston city centre

� 31 Aug–3 Nov: Harris Museum and Art Gallery, Preston

� FREECo-commissioned by Cultural Olympiad and Nations and Regions Group, North West. Supported by WE PLAY Expo, Preston Guild 2012 and University of Central Lancashire.

Stories of the World: Global Threads The history of cotton animated through a series of exhibitions made by museums and young people.

� Until 19 May: Platt Hall, Manchester

� Until 30 Jun: Harris Museum and Art Gallery, Preston

� FREEWhitworth Art Gallery, Manchester City Galleries, Bolton Museum and Archives Service, Harris Museum and Art Gallery, Lancashire County Museums Service and Blackburn Museum and Art Gallery. Global Threads is part of Stories of the World, led by Arts Council England in partnership with London 2012.

Photo: Harris Museum & Art Gallery, Global Threads exhibition Credit: Simon Critchley

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MORE CULtURAL OLYMPiAD EvENtS

Artworks, Exhibitions and Events All About UsConnect through digital, social and creative technology projects across Greater Manchester by Lets Go Global.

Atelier ZeroViewing platform in Piccadilly Basin created by Office for Subversive Architecture, CUBE, Ecole Speciale d’Architecture, Paris and Manchester School of Architecture.

Build the Truce Exhibition and blog exploring contemporary conflict at Imperial War Museum North, on the Quays.

The Games Comedy by Spike Theatre set in the Ancient Olympics with original music, song and puppetry. UK tour.

LandmarkCommunity art project responding to local landscapes in Cumbria by Kendal Windows on Art.

Photo: The Games Credit: John Garfield Roberts

New Music 20 x 12: Zatopek!Emily Howard’s Zatopek presented by Second Movement and performed by Liverpool Philharmonic’s Ensemble 10/10.

On: a re-imagining of Blackpool IlluminationsExhibition of the famous illuminations by Brian Griffiths and the Under the Town festival at Grundy Art Gallery in Blackpool.

Our Sport Our LifeExhibition developed by young people from Greater Manchester at the National Football Museum.

The Paradise: A Life Beyond Celebration of diversity at the Liverpool International Carnival from Brouhaha.

Punchline Multimedia performance with boxing, music, dance and film in Merseyside.

Shine Paralympic sporting heroes celebrated in photography by Ian Beesley in Oldham.

2012 Contemporary Art exhibitions and events in Rochdale at Touchstones.

PLUS: Discovering Places Cultural Olympiad campaign to discover your local built historic and natural environments across the UK.

somewhereto_Helping 16–25 year olds find the spaces to do the creative things they are passionate about across the UK.

Africa Express, ManchesterFamous for African/Western collaborations, Africa Express presents a train full of music traversing the UK.

Alif Ensemble Outstanding oud player Khyan Allami brings together Arab musicians for acoustic and electronic sets of inspiring new music.

Bandstand Marathon Closing event for London 2012 bringing live music performance to bandstands across the UK, on 9 Sep 1–5pm.

Big Dance 2012: LancashireTake part in the Lancashire Big Dance North West Link Up. Join at Preston Flag Market.

Big Dance 2012: LiverpoolTake part in the Big Dance North West Link Up at Chavasse Park.

Big Dance 2012: Urban Moves Celebrate Greater Manchester’s cityscape and architecture with professional dance performances in Piccadilly Gardens.

Crystal BallAND festival presents nine new single screen media works, from Asian and European artists commissioned by Samsung for the International Olympic Committee Collection.

Devoted and Disgruntled Roadshow: ImprobableJoin this theatre-inspired nationwide conversation at Preston Guild 2012 in person and online.

Jorge Macchi: Liverpool Biennial 2012Artist Jorge Macchi presents an artwork absurdly wedged in Liverpool’s oldest art gallery.

Oded Hirsch: Liverpool Biennial 2012 Artist Oded Hirsch presents an artwork bursting through the ground in Liverpool ONE.

Project TriangleSomewhereto_ and Burnley Council bring the North West’s young creative talent to the Weaver’s Triangle.

Red Baraat The UK debut tour of Red Baraat brings Bhangra, funk, and dhol and brass to Manchester’s Bridgewater Hall.

The Sacred Truce Project: Ursula Rani Sarma Enjoy a new play from nationally acclaimed playwright at Liverpool’s The Empire, directed by Kully Thiarai.

We Face Forward: A West African PartyParty at the Printworks after the Olympic Flame has arrived in Manchester.

Join In Ring a bell on Friday 27 July at 8am and take part in Martin Creed’s Work no 1197. All The Bells celebrates the first day of the London 2012 Olympic Games with simultaneous bell ringing across the UK.

Join Big Dance 2012 – the UK’s biggest dance celebration from 18 May–25 Jul.

Take part in STORYLAB, the UK’s biggest children’s reading event. Sign up at your local library.

MORE LONDON 2012 FEStivAL EvENtS

Art, Music, Dance and Theatre

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FROM MAY

Big Dance 2012: Schools Pledge18 May St George’s Hall, LiverpoolFREE

#media2012 Pre Games Meet18–19 MayManchester/SalfordFREE

Big Dance 201218 May–25 JulNorth WestFREE

#media201218 May–9 Sep OnlineFREE

Global threads: More than FashionUntil 19 May Platt Hall, ManchesterFREE

NORth WESt OPENiNG EvENt

Looping the Loop19 May The Quays Waterfront, Greater Manchester FREE

Mechanical Games19 MayThe Quays Waterfront, Greater ManchesterFREE

Big Dance 2012: Schools Pledge19 May Live Site, Exchange Square, ManchesterFREE

All About Us19 May The Quays Waterfront, Greater Manchester FREE

Big Dance 2012: NW Link Up19 May The Quays Waterfront, Greater Manchester FREE

Boom Bike Big Band19 May–2 SepAcross LancashireFREE

On: a re-imagining of Blackpool illuminations26 May–28 Jul Grundy Art Gallery, Blackpool,FREE

Shine26 May Gallery Oldham, Oldham£3

ARRivAL OF thE OLYMPiC tORCh

the Moment When…29 May Chester RacecourseFREE and ticketed

Olympic torch Relay Evening Celebration: Chester29 MayChester RacecourseTicketed

Olympic torch Relay Evening Celebration: Bolton31 May Spa Road Playing Fields, BoltonFREE and ticketed

2012 Contemporary: Colouredge Until 16 JunTouchstones Rochdale,RochdaleFREE

2012 Contemporary techno-Sublime Until 16 JunTouchstones Rochdale,RochdaleFREE

Global threads: Asian textiles & Fashion todayUntil 30 Jun Harris Museum & Art Gallery, PrestonFREE

Manchester Live SiteUntil 9 Sep Exchange Square, ManchesterFREE

handprint 2012Until 30 Sep www.nwfor2012.comFREE

WE PLAY ChallengeUntil 30 Sepwww.nwfor2012.comFREE

LandmarkUntil 12 Nov Various locations across CumbriaFREE

FROM JUNE

ColumnFrom Summer (12 months)Wirral Waters, MerseysideFREE

Big Dance 2012: torch Relay celebration1 Jun Birkenhead Park, BirkenheadFREE

Big Dance 2012: torch Relay celebration1 Jun Crosby, MerseysideFREE

Big Dance 2012: torch Relay celebration1 Jun Pierhead, LiverpoolFREE

Olympic torch Relay Evening Celebration: Liverpool2 JunPier HeadLiverpoolTicketed

We Face Forward: Art from West Africa today2 Jun–16 SepPlatt Hall, Rusholme, ManchesterFREE

We Face Forward: Art from West Africa today2 Jun–16 SepWhitworth Art Gallery, ManchesterFREE

We Face Forward: Art from West Africa today2 Jun–16 SepManchester Art Gallery, ManchesterFREE

the Games11 Jun The Lowry, SalfordTicketed

the Games12 Jun The Brindley, RuncornTicketed

the Games15 Jun The Kirkgate Centre, CumbriaTicketed

Emily Dixon: Zatopek!15 Jun Epstein Theatre,Liverpool £10

the Moment When…16 Jun Orford Jubilee Park, WarringtonTicketed

the Games20 Jun The Brewery Arts Centre, Highgate KendalTicketed

A hansel of Film 20 JunThe Brewery Arts Centre, Highgate KendalPrice: TBC

Big Dance 2012: NW Link Up 20 Jun CarlisleFREE

Olympic torch Relay Evening Celebration: Carlisle 20 Jun Bitts Park, CarlisleFREE and ticketed

LONDON 2012 FEStivAL OPENiNG EvENt

On the Night Shift21 Jun The Glebe, Bowness on WindermereFREE

Olympic torch Relay Evening Celebration: Bowness on Windermere21 JunThe GlebeBowness on WindermereFREE

Big Dance 2012: StRiDE21 Jun The Rock, BuryFREE

Abandon Normal Devices Festival Launch22–23 JunCornerhouse, Oxford Street, ManchesterFREE and ticketed

AL and AL22 JunCornerhouse, Oxford Street, ManchesterTicketed

Swandown22–23 Jun Cornerhouse, Oxford Street, ManchesterFREE

the humble Market – trade Secrets22 Jun–26 AugFACT, 88 Wood Street, LiverpoolFREE and ticketed

Mark Amerika22 Jun–2 Sepwww.glitchmuseum.comFREE

Stanya Kahn Exhibition22 Jun–16 Sep Cornerhouse, Oxford Street, ManchesterFREE

Olympic torch Relay Evening Celebration: Blackpool22 Jun The Headland, BlackpoolFREE

Olympic torch Relay Evening Celebration: Manchester23 Jun Albert Square, ManchesterFREE

We Face Forward: A West Africa Party23 JunPrintworks, ManchesterTicketed

the Games23 Jun Barnaby Festival, MacclesfieldTicketed

Big Dance 2012: Lancashire23 Jun Preston Flag Market, PrestonFREE

Meet the Species: Urban Naturalist – Moths30 JunManchester Museum, ManchesterFREE

Punchline30 Jun–9 SepSaturdays & Wednesdays Runcorn Amateur Boxing Club, RuncornFREE

Punchline30 Jun–9 Sep Saturdays & WednesdaysWildcard Amateur Boxing Club, St HelensFREEFRO

Punchline30 Jun–9 Sep Saturdays & WednesdaysThe Rotunda, LiverpoolFREE

FROM JULY

Atelier Zero From July–9 Sep Piccadilly Basin, Manchester FREE

StoryLab 1 Jul–10 SepVarious locations across the North WestFREE

2012 Contemporary: An impossible Burden 7 Jul–8 SepTouchstones Rochdale,RochdaleFREE

2012 Contemporary: A Century Later 7 Jul–8 SepTouchstones Rochdale,RochdaleFREE

the Paradise: A Life Beyond 12–24 JulMyrtle Parade, LiverpoolFREE

Unlimited 13 Jul–2 SepDaDaFest, Liverpool Price TBC

FULL LiStiNG CULTURAL OLYMPIAD AND THE LONDON 2012 FESTIVAL IN THE NORTH WEST

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Niet Normaal – Difference on Display 13 Jul–2 SepThe Bluecoat, LiverpoolTicketed

Shine 14 Jul–23 SepGallery Oldham, OldhamFREE

the Paradise: A Life beyond14 JulLiverpool city centre FREE

Alif Ensemble 15 JulLiverpool Philharmonic Hall £15/£22.50

Big Dance 2012: City Steps 15 JulLiverpool city centre FREE

Big Dance 2012: NW Link Up 15 JulChavasse Park, LiverpoolFREE

the Moment When…15 JulTatton Park, KnutsfordTicketed

Project triangle 20–21 JulWeavers Triangle, BurnleyFREE

Build the truce 21 Jul–1 OctImperial War Museum North Main Exhibition Space, ManchesterFREE

Big Dance 2012: Urban Moves23–25 JulPiccadilly Gardens, Manchester FREE

Emoto: visualising Global Emotion26 Jul–9 Sepwww.emoto2012.orgFREE

RiNG iN thE OLYMPiC GAMES

All the Bells27 Jul at 8amAnywhereFREE

Meet the Species: Urban Naturalist – Ferns28 Jul Manchester Museum FREE

FROM AUGUST

Digital Caravans 1 Aug–6 SepTouring, various, North WestFREE

Under the town4 AugGrundy Art Gallery,BlackpoolTicketed

Water Fools 10–11 AugCrow Park, Keswick, CumbriaFREE

the Banquet on tour13 AugCleator Moor, CumbriaFREE

DaDavisions13–28 AugManchester Live Site,Exchange SquareFREE

the Banquet on tour14 AugMillom, CumbriaFREE

the Banquet on tour15 AugTalkin Tarn, CarlisleFREE

the Banquet on tour16 AugBoroughgate, CumbriaFREE

Masquepony17–19 AugCartmel RacecourseGrange-over-SandsPrice: £40/£80, Early birds £35/£70

the Chase27 AugAccrington town centreFREE

voala27 AugWhitehaven HarbourFREE

Abandon Normal Devices Festival29 Aug–2 SepCornerhouse, Oxford Street, ManchesterFREE and ticketed

Crystal Ball29 Aug–2 SepAND FestivalFREE

Pigs Bladder Football29 Aug–2 SepCornerhouse, Oxford Street, ManchesterFREE

inspired30 AugDaDaFest, Liverpool, Venue TBCTicketed

Laurence Clark30 AugDaDaFest, Liverpool Price: TBC

Rachel Gadsden 30 AugThe Bluecoat, Liverpool Ticketed

Connecting Light31 Aug–1 SepHadrian’s WallFREE

Emoto: visualising Global Emotion31 Aug–9 SepPart Ground Floor, Former Post Office Counters Building, Preston (TBC)FREE

Moments that Matter31 Aug–9 SepShop Windows in Preston city centreFREE

Moments that Matter31 Aug– 3 NovHarris Museum & Art Gallery, PrestonFREE

Moments that MatterOnline from 31 Augwww.nwfor2012.comFREE

FROM SEPTEMBER

Street Quest3–7 SepPreston city centreFREE

Red Baraat 4 SepBridgewater Hall, ManchesterTicketed

improbable 5 SepPrestonTicketed TBC

NORth WESt CLOSiNG CELEBRAtiON

WE PLAY Expo7–9 SepAvenham & Miller Parks, PrestonFREE

Abandon Normal Devices Shorts7–9 SepAvenham & Miller Parks, PrestonFREE

DaDavisions 7–9 SepAvenham & Miller Parks, PrestonFREE

Digital Caravans 7–9 SepAvenham & Miller Parks, PrestonFREE

handprint 20127–9 SepAvenham & Miller Parks, PrestonFREE

the humble Market7–9 SepAvenham & Miller Park, PrestonFREE. Tickets required

the humble Market: Place7–9 SepClock Tower and Peace Bridge, Derry, Northern IrelandFREE

Me & Mine7–9 SepAvenham & Miller Parks, PrestonFREE

Portrait of an Athlete7–9 SepAvenham & Miller Parks, PrestonFREE

Why We Play7–9 SepAvenham & Miller Parks, PrestonFREE

Glory Road8 SepAvenham & Miller Parks, PrestonFREE

Blaze Festival8–9 SepAvenham & Miller Parks, PrestonFREE

Jorge Macchi8 Sep–25 NovWalker Art Gallery, Liverpool FREE

Oded hirsch8 Sep–25 NovLiverpool One, LiverpoolFREE

On the Night Shift9 SepAvenham & Miller Parks, PrestonFREE

the Bandstand Marathon9 SepAvenham & Miller Parks, PrestonFREE

the Bandstand Marathon9 SepSefton Park Bandstand, Aigburth,LiverpoolFREE

the Bandstand Marathon9 SepStanley Park Bandstand, Liverpool FREE

the Bandstand Marathon9 SepFalkner Square Gardens, LiverpoolFREE

the Bandstand Marathon9 SepClarence Park, BuryFREE

the Bandstand Marathon9 SepHeaton Park, ManchesterFREE

the Bandstand Marathon9 SepChester Bandstand by The Groves, ChesterFREE

the Bandstand Marathon9 SepEllesmere Port town centreFREE

the Bandstand Marathon9 SepClitheroe Castle Bandstand, ClitheroeFREE

improbableDate: TBCTheatre by the Lake, Cumbria Price: TBC

the Sacred truce Project – Ursula Rani SarmaDate: TBCEmpire, LiverpoolTicketed

FULL LiStiNG CULTURAL OLYMPIAD AND THE LONDON 2012 FESTIVAL IN THE NORTH WEST

While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of these listings please check details with each venue when planning your visits.

For full details on these events go to nwfor2012.com

Front cover photo credits. Main image clockwise:

Les Commandos Percu. Credit: Daniel Saint Leger

The Ugly Spirit, Fittings. Credit: Charles McQuillan, Pacemaker Press

Looping the Loop. Courtesy of Ziya Aziz

Blaze, BMX Beats. Credit: Brian Slater Photography

Next Nature Baby, 2008, Niet Normaal. Credit: Koert van Mensvoot

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About the Cultural Olympiad and London 2012 FestivalThe London 2012 Cultural Olympiad is the largest cultural celebration in the history of the modern Olympic and Paralympic Movements. Spread over four years, it is designed to give everyone in the UK a chance to be part of London 2012 and inspire creativity across all forms of culture, especially among young people. The culmination of the Cultural Olympiad is the London 2012 Festival, a spectacular 12-week nationwide celebration bringing together leading artists from across the world with the very best from the UK, running from 21 June until 9 September 2012. For more details on the programme visit www.london2012.com/festival

Arts Council England 14 Great Peter Street London SW1P 3NQ

www.artscouncil.org.uk Email: enquiries@artscouncil.org.uk Phone: 0845 300 6200 Textphone: 020 7973 6564 Charity registration no 1036733

You can get this publication in Braille, in large print, on audio CD and in electronic formats. Please contact us if you need any of these formats.

To download this publication, or for the full list of Arts Council England publications, see www.artscouncil.org.uk

© Arts Council England, April 2012

Arts Council England is proud to be a Principal Funder and supporter of the Cultural Olympiad and London 2012 Festival. The Arts Council champions, develops and invests in artistic and cultural experiences that enrich people’s lives. We support a range of activities across the arts, museums and libraries – from theatre to digital art, reading to dance, music to literature, and crafts to collections.

Legacy Trust UK is delighted to be a Principal Funder of the Cultural Olympiad and London 2012 Festival and funds cultural, sporting and educational projects in communities across the UK that are inspired by London 2012. Legacy Trust UK supports a wide range of activities from street art to volunteering, music to animation, school sports to dance and digital art to festivals.

The Olympic Lottery Distributor is proud to be a Principal Funder of the Cultural Olympiad and is supporting a number of the major projects and events which will be part of the Cultural Olympiad and its culmination, the London 2012 Festival.

Premier Partners of the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad

Principal Funders of the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad

BP is delighted to be a Premier Partner of the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad. Building on its 30 year support of the arts, BP is working with its arts partners, the Royal Opera House, British Museum, National Portrait Gallery and Tate Britain, to help involve millions of people in the Cultural Olympiad and its finale, the London 2012 Festival.

BT is proud to be a Premier Partner of the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad and to be enabling millions of people to have a fantastic London 2012 experience through music and art events. BT River of Music welcomes the world to London with a once-in-a-lifetime weekend of free music at landmarks along the River Thames. And the National Portrait Gallery/BT Road to 2012 project celebrates those who are collectively making the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games happen.