By Julie Waters
BANGOR’S Seacourt Print Workshop is hosting the first Bingham Lane Festival this weekend.
Thanks to grant support from Ards and North Down Council and the Department of Communities Community Festival Fund, the festival will take place on Saturday and Sunday, October 11 and 12.
Bringing together the creative and cultural venues located around Bingham laneway and Bingham Mall the festival will run from noon to 8pm on Saturday and 1pm to 5pm on Sunday.
The festival brings together music, live printmaking, art installations and food, where people can gather to enjoy the atmosphere and events.
Seacourt Print Workshop, a cornerstone of Northern Ireland’s arts and cultural scene since 1981, has been in residence in the Old Ulster Bank building in Bangor’s Main Street since 2021. This move back into the city centre ignited a passion and drive for Seacourt to connect with the spaces around them, their neighbours and the people of Bangor.
Emma Drury, Seacourt director, has invited everyone to join the celebration. “This is an event with something for everyone, young and old,” she said.
“We think it will bring fun and joy to the city centre, celebrating our beautiful built heritage and we hope it will remind us all of what this city has to offer. Come along and see for yourself.”
The director explained the musicians have been carefully curated by Rachel McCarthy, of The Darkling Air fame, and includes singer songwriters, DJs and traditional music.
Said Ms Drury: “There will be some hot food options to ensure visitors are well fed but we hope festival goers will avail of the many fantastic cafes and food outlets in the city centre including Lightfoot, Sunflower Sandwiches, The Yoghurt Tree, Little Wing and the Red Berry to name just a few.
“There will be plenty of friendly way finders to guide and direct visitors to specific events and look out for our signs. Our old bank building will be filled with makers’ stalls and printmaking activities, including screen printed t-shirts (bring your own t-shirt), large scale letterpress and a bespoke banner making station honouring our favourite Bingham Lane Bird – the pigeon.
“We will also have some satellite printmaking stations dotted around other locations where you can print a lego bird or robot and letterpress print your own postcard.”
Ms Drury explained the North Down Craft Collective will take up residence on Saturday in a large marquee in one of the lane’s extensive back yards, and Sunday will host makers from Little Fox Events. Boom Studios artists will offer festival workshops and the satirical Ricky Drew a Piccy is creating an immersive experience inviting you to experience RDAP land.
Said Ms Drury: “On Saturday you can explore the Old Market House, decorate a headdress featuring our Gargoyle, try out some musical instruments and hear stories from Bangor’s past. “Studio IA Theatre will open its (back stage) doors on Sunday and welcome visitors to meet the Pantomime Character, indulge in Witches Brew and get a behind the scenes tour of the theatre.”
