Last updated at 19:19, Wednesday, 06 June 2012

The Banquet 2011 Talkin Tarn, picture by Steve Eggleston - Event Digital

Lakes Alive return to Talkin Tarn for a feast of outdoor entertainment.

Communal street parties, with entertainment provided by some of the country’s best outdoor performers, will be returning to four Cumbrian towns this summer.

At each of the Banquets, organised by Lakes Alive, there will be music, dance, magic, mayhem and tom-foolery to entertain everyone. Tables and chairs will also be laid out and the audience are encouraged to join in a friendly, community spirited feast. People can either bring their own picnic or buy tasty food from local caterers.

From the 13-16 August, The Banquet will be at Cleator Moor, Millom, Talkin Tarn near Brampton and Appleby.

Lakes Alive is created and directed by Kendal Arts International (KAI) with Manchester International Arts. Julie Tait, the director of KAI, says: “The reaction that we got last year at the Banquets was amazing, so many people turned out and obviously really enjoyed themselves, that we were determined to bring them back.

“The atmosphere at all the events was fantastic. It was especially nice to see lots of family groups enjoying themselves together and really getting into the community spirit of the evening.”

Entertainers at the Banquets will include Artizani with the surreal and brilliant Syrovy, which has been described by Total Theatre Magazine as ‘a beautifully constructed and executed solo show by James Macpherson that combines silent-movie clowning, acrobatics and slackrope walking to explore one man’s ambivalent relationship with everyday objects.’

Also on the billing are the Fairly Famous Family with their show Cheesy Rider, which features cocktail bar serving an all action mix of shaker juggling, comedy cookery and a 1960's makeover for one ‘lucky volunteer’!

Equipped with a camera, a flatulent monkey and acerbic banter, Guido & Laverne will provide you with a memory of the evening that you can treasure forever.

French artist Paul-Henri Jeannel will encourage the audience to create magical brown paper hats, and popular local performer Gakko will keep everyone smiling with his collection of songs and stories.

The Rainbow Rabbit, a talented 13 year old magician from Kendal, will wow the audience with his amazing magic tricks.

The Banquets will take place at Cleator Moor on August 13th, Millom on August 14th, Brampton on August 15th, and Appleby on August 16th and will all run from 6 pm – 9 pm. For further details visit www.lakesalive.org.

Lakes Alive is one of three annual programmes commissioned for WE PLAY, the Northwest cultural legacy programme for the 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games. WE PLAY has been funded by Legacy Trust UK, creating a lasting impact from the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games by funding ideas and local talent to inspire creativity across the UK.”.

The project is led by the Arts Council England Northwest on behalf of a new regional partnership. Lakes Alive is sponsored by the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) and has also received funding from Arts Council England and the Northern Rock Foundation.
The Banquet in Appleby is supported by Cumbria County Council's Eden Local Area Committee. The Banquets in Cleator Moor and Millom are presented in partnership with Copeland Borough Council and supported by Copeland Community Fund and Cumbria County Council's Copeland Local Area Committee. In Cleator Moor, the event is presented in collaboration with Cleator Moor Town Council and in Millom, the Banquet is presented in collaboration with The Beggar's Theatre. The Banquet in Talkin Tarn is supported by Carlisle City Council.
Further details about this year’s programme from Lakes Alive see www.lakesalive.org.

For pictures from last year follow the link to Steve Eggleston, Event Digital http://www.eventdigital.co.uk/pages/talkintarn.html

First published at 15:26, Wednesday, 06 June 2012
Published by http://www.bramptonlocal.co.uk