WHITAKER MUSEUM AND ART GALLERY
WITH the autumn well and truly upon us here at the Whitaker, we can’t help but feel what a great time it is to be in the Valley.
Tonight (Friday) sees the launch of the first Rossendale Film Festival, brought to you in collaboration with The Boo.
Between us we’ve selected some great films for you showing across the weekend, all on our theme of migration.
We have everything from classic comedies to hard-hitting documentaries on topical themes. We’ve got fun films for children, a movie with a tie-in two course meal and there’ll also be chance to chat with one of the directors.
Our oldest film was made a century ago, our latest just last year, but all of them share the power to provoke thought, laughter and tears in the way only the best cinema can. Join us for the opening reception held at the Whitaker this evening (October 20), from 6.15pm for drinks and nibbles, followed by an inspiring and uplifting musical documentary, The Music of Strangers.
For full listings of what is going on at each event across the weekend, with some events being totally free, head to www. thewhitaker.org.
If you are a film lover then this is not to be missed, something for everyone.
Moving on, as the time steams ahead, we bring October to a close with some much loved Halloween activities for your little monsters.
From October 25-28, we have daily crafts from 1pm to 3pm in our education room. There’ll be pumpkin carving, mask making as well as face painting – everything you need to prepare you for the upcoming spooky celebrations!
Don’t worry, we’re not letting the kids have all the fun. This Halloween at the Whitaker the fright is just right! With a rarely experienced cinematic experience set to get your heart racing, hot supper and fully a stocked bar, you can be sure to celebrate this spooky holiday in spine tingling style!
On Saturday, October 28, join us for a new, unique adaptation of director Herk Harvey’s 1962 experimental horror film oddity, Carnival of Souls.
The original film has been stripped down and adapted to become an audio-only experience to be listened to inside a darkened room, inspired by classic adventure radio serials and sensory deprivation methods.
Commissioned by Film Hub North West Central with an advisory group of blind and partially sighted audience members, the broadcast is relayed across wireless headsets incorporating binaural audio – a technique that creates the illusion of the action happening to and around the listener, forming a sense of intimate proximity.
From approaching footsteps to whispered breath, you will be fully immersed in the unfolding drama.
The story follows Mary Henry (Amanda Hennessy), the sole survivor of a horrific car accident who begins a new life in a sleepy Utah town, home to a derelict carnival and dancehall.
Still struggling in the aftermath of her accident, she is haunted by an enigmatic figure that slips inside her dreams (Baby Dee) and calls her to the ruins of the former pleasure ground, about which the local Mormon congregation know more than they choose to reveal. Featuring the voices of Amanda Hennessy with musician Baby Dee who has collaborated with Marc Almond, Will Oldham, Andrew W. K. and Matt Sweeney.
This performance takes place in near-total darkness (certificate 15+).
Doors open at 7pm with the film starting at 7.30pm.
After you’ve enjoyed the film adaption, we’ll be serving a hot supper in the restaurant to warm your soul and bring some colour back to your cheeks, where you can also enjoy a ‘stiff’ drink if you need it! Tickets are £15 per person including film and food and can be booked online at www. thewhitaker.org.
Finally, we want to mention that our Christmas activities through December are now all listed on our website, with online booking open.
We see the return of our hugely popular winter taster menu, now being offered across two nights due to its popularity – Friday, December 1 and Saturday, December 2 – as well as Father Christmas visits, Christmas lunches, Christmas party nights, the Big Christmas Quiz, and our much loved Christmas Eve brunch and story telling.
These events are getting booked up quick, so we advise booking early to avoid any disappointment.
Head to www. thewhitaker.org for full details, and we look forward to giving you a warm welcome here at the Whitaker whenever you decide to visit.