The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Organisers unveil an impressive Arbroath 2020 programme
Six months of celebrations kick off on April 4 2020
A horse-led procession, a re-enactment of a voyage to France in 1320 and hundreds of singers are just some of the events organised for the 700th anniversary of the Declaration of Arbroath next year.
Speaking at the programme’s unveiling Harry Simpson, chairman of Arbroath 2020, said: “Many months of creativity, planning and hard work by Arbroath 2020 committee, our partner organisations and local groups has resulted in an exciting and ambitious six-month programme of celebrations.”
The celebrations begin on April 4 with a festival weekend.
A choir of 300 singers will perform the world premiere of Of Light Breaking, a specially commissioned choral work by royal wedding composer Paul Mealor and poet Grahame Davies.
On April 5, more than 500 people will take part in a procession from Arbroath Abbey to the town’s harbour.
Pippa Martin, Angus Place Partnership creative producer, said: “Although the procession will reflect the history and heritage of the Declaration, it will be a pageant for our time. We want it to bring people and communities together, to excite and involve everyone in Arbroath, especially young people.”
At Arbroath there will be a ceremonial reading before a replica is handed to a local skipper and taken out to sea.
The procession will be followed by the Big Eco Lunch, a celebration of the food and drink of Angus, on April 5.
Angus Council leader David Fairweather said: “I look forward to celebrating the 700th anniversary of the Declaration of Arbroath and the elemental role my hometown fulfilled in setting the character and identity of Scotland and its people – past, present and future.
“Angus Council is delighted to work closely with Arbroath 2020 organisers in providing another magnificent attraction to the area.”
An Arbroath 2020 logo, designed by students from Dundee & Angus College, was also unveiled yesterday and a dedicated website was launched.
Later this month, the Arbroath 2020 arts fund of £10,000 will provide grants of between £250-£1,000 to support creative projects in Arbroath.
There will be an information session on the application process at the Arbroath 2020 Stakeholder Event on October 23.
On October 26 Arbroath Guildry will unveil a bronze bas relief telling the story of Arbroath and its people.
Full details are available at arbroath2020.com
I look forward to celebrating the 700th anniversary of the Declaration of Arbroath and the elemental role my hometown fulfilled in setting the character and identity of Scotland and its people. DAVID FAIRWEATHER