Children will light up Consett Town Centre as they take part in an arts and light festival next week inspired by the International Year of Light.
The Illuminating Waste festival gives children from six different schools in the Derwent Valley area an opportunity to showcase their artwork thanks to support from various grants.
The grants have been provided by Durham County Council’s Sustainability Fund, Derwent Valley Partnership, one of 14 Area Action Partnerships set up by the county council, and sponsorship from local businesses.
The festival’s big switch on will take place on Thursday 22 October 2015 between 4.30pm and 8pm.
Starting at the Derwent Centre, the trail will continue to Raglan Street, Victoria Road, Wesley Street, Middle Street, Queen Street, Victoria Road and finally Front Street.
JackDrum Samba will lead the trail going to each window where the school children will be invited to switch on the lights in each shop window.
OASES (Outdoor and Sustainability Education Specialists), a charity, worked with Year 4, 5 and 6 children in school workshops to help them create sculptures and displays out of clean industrial waste. These sculptures will then be illuminated using LED lighting.
The charity will also be doing workshops at Leadgate Juniors School on Monday 19 October, 9.00am-12.00pm and Villa Real School on Tuesday 20 October, 1.00pm-3.00pm.
Joanne Appleby, OASES manager said: “This festival will not only brighten up the streets of Consett, it will also illuminate children’s minds, educating them about the need to use the earth’s resources wisely.”
The festival, which runs until Thursday 29 October, is the first of its kind in Consett. It will provide local businesses with the opportunity to support local schools and advertise their business in a very positive light!
Kath Clements community project development officer for Derwent Valley Partnership said: “We are delighted to support a project which is fun for the youngsters involved and also educational.
“Not only does the festival show that we can be creative with earth’s resources, it also helps to boost the economy for local businesses.
“This is in line with two of the Derwent Valley Partnership’s key priorities, as voted on by local people – Activities for children and young people and Regeneration, employment, education and training.”
For more information about ‘Illuminating Waste’ please contact OASES on 03000 260 535 or info@oasesnortheast.org.uk.