Baccanalia’s incredible 2024 event programme started with a spectacular leap year celebration titled Shildon Leap Festival, reports Yvonne Hawkey.
The free community event, held in Shildon Town Square, illuminated the night with a mesmerising display of light and colour, marking the magic of the leap year.
Throughout the evening, over 2,000 residents – a fifth of the town’s population – gathered to enjoy the entertainment, culinary delights, workshops, and stunning installations crafted by the children of Shildon’s St John’s CE Primary School.
The festival was a culmination of weeks of dedication from the school children, who worked alongside their teachers, local artists, and musicians to bring their visions to life.
Year 4 collaborated with local arts organisation, Dispel Art to create a captivating art installation of the solar system.
Year 5, under the guidance of musician Sam Slatcher, penned an enchanting song titled It’s Finally Here, resulting in a beautiful soundtrack and short film by Laura Degnan. The rest of the school created their own personal star lights.
These collaborative efforts empowered the children to explore their musical and artistic inclinations, depicting their interpretation of leap year.
Andrew Kay, Deputy Head of St John’s CE Primary School, expressed his delight at the children’s enthusiastic response to the project. “We’re absolutely thrilled at how the children have reacted so positively to this project,” he said. “They have been super engaged and have taken ownership of their own personal star lights, joining together to create a huge light for the town.”
“It’s something Shildon town needs”, he continued, “and has brought our community together.
“After all, our children are our lights and together they shine so brightly.”
In addition to the entertainment, workshops and fusion of art and light, attendees were treated to culinary delights from local vendors, including Piggy Blinders, the Auckland Cup Cake Co, Alpine 21 and Shildon Alive, further enhancing the festive atmosphere.
The festival, generously supported by a grant from the Government’s UKSPF Levelling Up Fund through Durham County Council’s Cultural Engagement Team, was a testament to Baccanalia’s commitment to cultural enrichment.
Thomas Wales, Director of Baccanalia, emphasised the importance of community engagement.
“The event underscores our commitment to cultural engagement, aiming to make arts and culture accessible to all,” said Thomas.
“The turnout for Shildon Leap Festival says it all and shows an appetite for social community engagement from Shildon’s residents.
“It’s inspired me to continue with Baccanalia’s mission to bring local communities together, celebrate, and take stock of who we are in County Durham”.
Shildon Leap Festival, made possible through the collaboration of Baccanalia, Shildon Town Council, and community partners, serves as a memorable reminder of the power of art and culture to unite, educate, and inspire.
For more on Baccanalia and their programme of events for the year ahead, visit baccanalia.co.uk.
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
