Lyric Lounge Overview
With so much to cover, I tried to condense the whole event into a brief overview to get a general idea of how fabulous this event was…
LYRIC LOUNGE LEICESTER 2010
By Tara Gatherer
July 30th until August 1st promised to bring something different and innovative to The New Walk Museum in Leicester. Lyric Lounge 2010 was long in coming, due to the festivals success last year, this year it has been spread over the county, beginning in Derby, then onto Leicester, Nottingham and finishing in Loughborough. With planning going on weeks in advance, I was literally buzzing with excitement when it finally came. A program brimming with exciting and engaging activities for all ages going on from 10am til 10pm, it was hard to find something not taken over by the Lyric Lounge at the museum over the course of the weekend.
I took it upon myself to make sure I spent every day at the lounge, not only was there so much going on in every room, I was pleasantly surprised to see the volunteers taking it upon themselves to approach the public with their ‘poetical happenings’. The poetry fridge and aptly named ‘Poetree’s’ were a favourite among the children visiting, as it got them engaging with word’s, then pictured and projected in the coffee shop throughout the day. Also in the coffee shop was the opportunity for the public to write poems and draw on the tablecloths that happily invited them to do so with ‘WRITE ON ME!’ printed over them. Everyday upstairs broadcast several films produced and filmed specifically for the lounge by Keith Allott, such as “Little Peoples Poetry” and “The Khushi Group”, all workshops that had taken place before the main event. Sunday saw the volunteers seducing visitors with a one minute date which included reciting love poems, not to mention Combust Circus who spent the weekend outside fire breathing, juggling, stilt walking and much more.
Throughout the three day’s was the opportunity to take part in free workshops, such as Tim Clarke (Artist in Residence) and his ‘Pictures and Words’, fusing the link between art and poetry. One on one’s with Lyric Lounge Patron and internationally acclaimed artist Jean ‘Binta’ Breeze, who also led her own museum workshop on Sunday. Leicestershire Libraries own Book Doc Alison Dunne, with ‘Knit & Think Poetry’ that kicked off Friday and continuing on to another of the children’s favourites “Get Stuffed” in which she encouraged with the help of various stuffed animals around the museum, to write and reflect on the objects before them. Two different dance workshops, and everyday a different ‘Lyrical Lunchtime’ performance, I was mesmerised at the diversity and activities to take part in, which made this event very unique and special.
Particular highlights of this year’s Lyric Lounge would be the main performances. Friday night was the ILUVLYRICS show, which showcased competition of the best poets and MC’s around, all whom either took part in the workshop earlier in the day, or were associated with 2FunkyArts. The winner, 12 year old Millie, won a well deserved £100, and all in all it was a great evening, followed by a launch party at The Pub with special guest Mellow Baku, who also ran a Blues workshop the following day. Saturday night saw the renowned multi talented John Hegley, with “The Adventures of Monsieur Robinet”, a combination of poetry and music, with audience participation throughout.
Finally Sunday finished off the festival in style with WORD! the longest running poetry open mic event in the east midlands, with special guest “Mark Gwynne Jones and the Psychicbread”. As usual with WORD! It saw regular and new poets sharing their lyrics with the audience, and ending on its main act. Mark Gwynne Jones’ performance was particularly spectacular, again fusing music and poetry with his full band ‘The Psychicbread”, which included a performance during his show from the members who had taken part in his workshop during the day.
The only word I can think of to sum up Lyric Lounge Leicester this year would be Love, and it’s all down to the wonderful sponsors, participants, volunteers and of course it’s wonderful, enthusiastic, and diligent working Artistic Director Lydia Towsey. I would like to extend my congratulations and thanks to all those involved for a wonderful weekend. Bring on Lyric Lounge Loughborough!
