Giant Makers and all that Jazz
Budding creatives are invited to rise to the challenge on Monday, 30th March. Alexander’s Jazz Bar in Rufus Court, Northgate St, Chester at 5.30pm will be the venue for anyone interested in giant making and its traditions, or for the ‘just plain curious’. Chester has a long tradition of giant making and the challenge thrown up by the organisers is no tall order.
Experts will be on hand however, including Dave Roberts Chester’s Giant Master, to give advice on how to make a Traditional Chester-style 14’ Dancing Giant and a wicker-style giant. Mary Lewery former artistic director for the Midsummer Watch will be there to explain, give a demonstration and to take orders for any basic frame components. Community groups or individuals are invited.
David Pickering, chairman of Chester – The Giant City Community Interest Company said;
“Chester – The Giant City creates a link to our past, present and future with a vibrant city full of parades, festivals, giant statues and events. Everyone and anyone can be involved.”
Organiser Kristine Szulik added;
“Chester – The Giant City is inviting community groups to build a Giant to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Chester’s Family of Giants. A small group can build a Giant and bring it along to the Giant Parade on Saturday & Sunday 20th & 21st June 2009.” She added; “Information is available to get anyone started; local artists, Mum’s and Toddler Groups; local churches, schools and community groups.”
More information from Kristine Szulik on 01244 318703 or kristine.szulik@btinternet.com
ENDS – 246 words
Chester is unique in that it has a Family of Giants and a tradition of giant-making that can be traced back through Guild records to the 14th Century.
Chester’s modern Family of Giants started life when Dave Roberts came across ‘Nathandriel’, A Giant that was on a visit from Huddersfield to Chester. Nathandriel’s maker (and author of Medieval Dancing Giants Lee Gilbert, had brought Nathandriel on a pilgrimage to Chester. In Medieval times Chester had been the mecca for giant-building and possessed the only known Family of Giants in the country. Giants were walking the streets of Chester in the late 1400s until the puritanical reign of Oliver Cromwell in the mid 1660s.
Dave Roberts was so inspired by the notion that Giants had been such an important activity in Chester he decided to reintroduce the building of Giants into Chester as a creative way in which to encourage young people in Lache and Blacon to gain an insight into their culture and heritage.
In Midsummer 1989 a male giant (still used in the Midsummer Watch today), and the Father of Chester’s current Family of Giants, became the first giant to walk through the streets of Chester for over 300 years.
In Midsummer 2009 Chester will celebrate not only the 20th Anniversary of Chester’s modern Family of Giants but also the beginning of “Chester the Giant City” thus creating a link between Chester’s past, present and future.
Chester – The Giant City Community Interest Company has been created to unite the Private, Public and Third Sector around the physical and metaphorical concept of giants. The company will draw upon the culture and heritage of the city and surrounds to create vibrant and innovative social, environmental and economic opportunities for communities.
Individuals, groups, charities, businesses, and whole communities will benefit as they will be offered the opportunity to interpret the concept of Chester – The Giant City. This will create job opportunities, build businesses (social enterprises) and develop the tourist industry. In the long-term the whole creative model will add value to the regeneration process of Chester & District.
The company will support the development and growth of future community-based activities based upon the concept of Chester – The Giant City.
Board of Directors:
David Pickering (Chair) Lord Mayor Brian Bailey Lady Mayoress Raewyn Bailey
Peter Bulmer Jason Butler Stefan Nicholls
Dave Roberts Robbie Stocker Kristine Szulik
Stephen Wundke James Harries (Company Secretary)
Contact: Kristine Szulik t: 01244 318703
m: 07789 425 468 e: kristine.szulik@btinternet.com
Press Contacts: Jane Harrad-Roberts Mob: 07785 395705
Phil Brotherhood Mob: 07884 493370
MARKETING PROJECTS Tel: 01244 330000
Email: info@marketingprojects.co.uk
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