Musicians from the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra set to perform Fleetwood’s voice | News

Musicians from the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra set to perform Fleetwood’s voice

A performance celebrating Fleetwood, its people and its history has been announced at the Marine Hall on 22 February 2019.

For the past year, Music in Mind, a charity which uses music to aid public health and wellbeing, has been capturing the community of Fleetwood. Composer John McHugh, working in partnership with Regenda Homes, has met with a variety of local people from business owners, ex-trawlermen, bands and artists and filmed them discussing the identity of Fleetwood.

John has used the footage to create a unique composition based on the melodies and rhythms from the speech of the Fleetwood people, which will be performed by musicians from the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. The video opera will celebrate the identity of Fleetwood, from its elegant beginnings as the Brighton of the North, through to its rich heritage as a fishing port and aspirations for the future.

The film will see local characters such as ex-trawlermen Phil Thomas and Brian Houghton discuss their time working on the fishing boats of Fleetwood. In their interviews the pair talk about their love for the sea and how it impacted the communities back home, they also discussed the impact of the Cod Wars and changes Fleetwood has faced since.

Successful local entrepreneur, Louise, who owns The Wool Loft was also interviewed. Louise talks about why Fleetwood is the perfect place for her business and the people she has met through the knitting lessons she provides. Louise also discusses the future of Fleetwood and how her children love the seafront just like she did as a child. 

John McHugh, Composer and Director of Music in Mind, said: “It has been a fantastic experience meeting all of these wonderful people and hearing their stories about Fleetwood.

“The town is steeped in history and I am delighted to have been able to bring these tales and the voices that tell them to life.

“We have completed similar projects in the past and the response has always been fantastic. I look forward to seeing people enjoying this particular piece of work at the Marine Hall in February.”

Steve Newsham, Regional Director at Regenda Homes, said: “We are embarking on a huge amount of investment into Fleetwood and we believe it is important that we capture the town as it takes steps into a bright future.

“We have worked closely with John to help him capture the unique identity of the Fleetwood community and we are very much looking forward to seeing the grand performance at the Marine Hall.”

Part of Regenda Homes’ 10 Year Vision for Fleetwood, tickets for the event are available for FREE from the Marine Hall Box Office. For more information visit marinehall.co.uk

The project has been made possible through partnerships with Arts Council England, Wyre Council, LeftCoast and Lancashire Council.

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