Bridlington Priory Church, Saturday 11th May from 7:30 pm
The art community in Bridlington is joining the Priory 900 celebrations as they prepare for an auction of original artworks inspired by or related to the Priory church. Local professional artists have donated pieces in a range of media, to raise money for the Priory funds and, in so doing, raise the profile of visual arts in the area.
The original concept for the auction was to offer buyers the opportunity to – quite literally – purchase their own version of Bridlington Priory. However, it has grown into something much more.
Corinne Young, textile artist and manager of Gallery Forty-Nine in Bridlington’s Old Town, has been responsible for organising the event, along with photographer Jean Illingworth who had the original idea for the auction.
“Art and heritage are my joint passions, and this has been a perfect opportunity to combine the two,” says Corinne. “We’ve been delighted by the response to our appeal for donated pieces, by the generosity of the artists, and by the quality and variety of the artwork received. They have engaged with the building in many different ways.”Jacqueline Warrington
Rosemary Abrahams
Corinne Young
Take a closer look at the artworks going ‘under the hammer’ on the evening with our visual guide, which provides images and details for each lot. The donated pieces will also be on display in the Priory from Monday May 6th in anticipation of the event.
The auction itself will be conducted by local art and antiques expert Mike Lawrence. Refreshments will include the Wold Top Brewery’s Priory 900 beer, and live music will be provided by classical guitarist Gary Burnett and singer Carrie Martin.
Priory Visions
Priory Church Green, Saturday 18th May from 2:30 pm (performances at 2:30pm, 3pm and 3:30pm). Follows with ‘Priory Visions Today’ at 6pm.
Of all the events to celebrate 900 years since the foundation of Bridlington Priory, the Churches Together and community production Priory Visions is a little bit special. On Saturday 18th May on the Church Green, a number of characters will tell the story of the Priory in twelve dramatic scenes, to be repeated throughout the afternoon. Each performance will last about an hour and a quarter and the audience will be shepherded by a team of volunteer stewards, including many from the newly formed Street Angels project and U3A.
The drama has been written and produced by a team under the leadership of Deirdre McGarry and Vincent Jones, friends who were involved in Bridlington’s outdoor Passion Play in Easter 2010.
The ‘spirit of St John of Bridlington’ will narrate between scenes and act as a guide for the visiting audience.
After refreshments, Priory Visions will conclude at 6pm with a grand finale and community celebration, under the leadership of Dr. Anthony Clarke, which will focus on the Priory church and its work in the present day. ‘Priory Visions Today’ will include the presentation of a time capsule, containing special items, photographs and the Priory Visions script, intended for opening on the Priory’s 1000 year anniversary in 2113.
Look out for some of the actors in mediaeval costume on Saturday May 11th, who will be in town in the afternoon to drum up support for the performance the following week.
Priory Visions is a free event appropriate for all ages, and there will be stalls, dancing displays and other activities taking place on the Priory Church Green throughout the day.
Heritage Craft Workshops
If you missed out on the Blacksmithing and Woodcarving workshops in April, why not try one of the other heritage craft workshops on offer during the Priory 900 celebrations?
Saturday 4th May
Stonecarving Workshop
Participants will create a small medieval-based relief carving or piece of lettering in limestone. This workshop is now SOLD OUT, but observers are welcome. Come and see the students at work in the Priory grounds! With special thanks to East Riding College, whose Construction curriculum has responded well to the need for developing a range of traditional craft skills to ensure that these valuable industries are not lost.
Saturday 18th May
Medieval Cookery Workshop
Would you like to learn about medieval cookery techniques in the Middle Ages? Places are still available for this workshop, in which you will produce a cake or tart associated with Chaucer’s ‘Canterbury Tales’ from tutor Sue Reeves’ medieval recipe book, ‘Manna from Heaven’. You will also receive a take-away information pack and learn about the historical background to recipes.
Share your (Hi)story!
Community History Blog
We like to think that the aim of Priory 900 is to make the ‘past present for the future’. The festival celebrates the history of the Priory, but it should also celebrate your history too. You are warmly invited visit and use our community history blog to share historical information, personal memories, photographs and interesting Brid facts. Let’s make history!
Discover Gilbert’s Corner!
The Priory 900 ‘Spokesmouse’
Gilbert de Mouse has a very important job - he is the ‘spokesmouse’ for younger visitors to the Priory during the Priory 900 celebrations. Every fortnight he will share a new fact about the Priory and its history and/or the festival itself. Gilbert is very happy to answer your questions, too, so do get in touch!
Are you enjoying the festival so far? Is there something else you would like to see? Please contact us with your suggestions!
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