Seeding the Future is part of Animating Ashington, a wider cultural regeneration programme that runs until the end of August 2025. The programme celebrates community, creativity and connection through a series of spectacular free events, interactive workshops and hands-on projects designed to bring people together and reimagine Ashington’s public spaces.
Produced by outdoor arts specialists Walk the Plank, Animating Ashington connects communities, residents and businesses through creativity, encouraging people to get involved and take pride in the changes taking place in the town.
Bev Ayre, Senior Producer at Walk the Plank, said: “Seeding the Future is a gentle but powerful moment in the Animating Ashington journey. James’s work in Hirst Park brings people together in a shared space, inviting reflection, connection and joy, all central to the spirit of this programme.”
Commissioned by Northumberland County Council and delivered by Walk the Plank, Animating Ashington is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and the North East Combined Authority. It is part of the Regenerating Ashington Programme to grow, renew, and connect the town.
To find out more about all ten events in the programme, visit: https://www.walktheplank.co.uk/animatingashington
For interview opportunities with James or Bev, images, or to arrange a media visit to Hirst Park, please contact:
Sarah du Toit – Head of Marketing – 07507 646 751
Sarah du Toit – Head of Marketing – 07507 646 751
Bev Ayre – Senior Producer – 07881 810 785
About Walk the Plank
Walk the Plank’s track record of making art, festivals and events that engage citizens in public celebration is founded on ambitious creativity that connects with ordinary people.
Walk the Plank’s track record of making art, festivals and events that engage citizens in public celebration is founded on ambitious creativity that connects with ordinary people.
From European Capital of Culture celebrations (Liverpool08, Turku2011, Bodø2024) to immersive installations like BODY (touring to science festivals in the UK, North America and Ireland), from amazing parades to spectacular fire gardens, the company consistently attracts acclaim and showcases talent.
Recent awards include ‘Best Use of Tech in Events’ (2023) for Green Space Dark Skies, and recognition for the company’s environmental sustainability achievements through the National Outdoor Event Award – Sustainability (2022) and a Creative Green Award (4*) for Manchester Day.
Walk the Plank is a member of IETM (international contemporary performing arts network), Outdoor Arts UK, LUCI Association, the National Association of Street Artists, GM Arts Sustainability Team, and the British Pyrotechnists Association.
Based at Cobden Works in Salford, UK, with an office in North Wales and facilities in Northern Ireland, Walk the Plank is part of Arts Council England’s National Portfolio and is a not-for-profit organisation with charitable status.