Published on:
24
September 2010
Clackmannanshire's many links to the Far East will be explored and celebrated in the area's first ever Storytelling Festival.
'Eastern Routes in Clackmannanshire' opens on Saturday 23rd October and is regional partner to The Scottish International Storytelling Festival.
It will be a week-long festival of 'live storytelling', plus two exhibitions celebrating Clackmannanshire's links to the Far East.
'The Wee County in The Far East' exhibition opens on 23rd October at GR McFarlane Art Gallery in Alloa's Mill Street. The exhibition, which has been organised by the Council's Museum and Heritage Service will include a selection of photographs and artefacts, documenting Clackmannanshire's historical links to the Far East. These will range from the Paton and Baldwin wool spinning mill in Shanghai and John Johnson of Alva's career as commander of the artillery with the East India Company, where he played a part in the Battle of Plessey.
Alongside this exhibition will be a selection of oil paintings by internationally renowned artist Paul Binnie. Paul, who grew up in Alloa, will be discussing his work, his travels, and the inspiration behind his images at an 'Artist Talk' at 2pm on Saturday 23rd October at GR McFarlane's Art Gallery.
'Adventures on the High Seas' is also on 23rd October and is an event for children and families. It takes place at 11am at Alloa Library and will be a chance to create your own adventure story in words and pictures.
There will be some spooky fun on Tuesday 26th October with a Ghost Walk around Alloa's 'ghostly' haunts, starting at Alloa Tower at 8pm.
A new exhibition opens at Dollar Museum on Saturday 23rd October. Intrepid Victorian traveller Ella Christie, James Legge, missionary and translator, and Wang Tao, the 19th century scholar and travel writer, are just some of the inspirational people who have left their mark on Dollar. Learn more of their fascinating stories, and the legacies they left behind, with the 'Dollar and the Orient' exhibition, which runs until 19th December.
Dollar Museum will host 'Live Storytelling' on Saturday 30th October, inspired by the new exhibition. Accomplished storyteller Ewan McVicar hosts a fun, lively interactive storytelling event at 10am celebrating the fascinating stories of the people highlighted in the exhibition.
There will also be 'Live Storytelling' at GR McFarlane Art Gallery at 2pm on Saturday 30th October which will explore Clackmannanshire's historical links to the Far East. This event will be fun for all ages.
Councillor Kenny Earle, Spokesman for Tourism, said: "This is the first Storytelling Festival to be held in Clackmannanshire and the programme offers a range of events with something for all the family. I hope that the people of Clackmannanshire make the most of this opportunity and attend one of the many sessions which are taking place."
All events are free, but places are limited. Please book via the venue or visit www.clackmannanshiretourism.com for full details.