Most of the events in our festival are organised by communities and community-focused organisations across Scotland. Today we’re taking a look at Lanarkshire’s impressive programme of over 30 events – a mix of creative workshops, concerts, multi-arts extravaganzas and moving talks. Here are some highlights…
Keen to try a new hobby? Check out Lanarkshire’s wide range of creative workshops. Explore dance and improve your confidence at Young at Heart, taking place in both East Kilbride and Rutherglen (from Monday 7 October). Or you could learn the meditative art of ‘painting with wool’ at East Kilbride Arts Centre’s Needle Felting Workshop (starts Wednesday 9 October).
Kids aged 5 to 15 will have the opportunity to get creative at Here I Am!, an art and drama adventure day in Airdrie. All materials will be provided so just bring a packed lunch and your imagination! (Saturday 12 October).
Join Bellshill Cultural Centre on Friday 11 October for the launch of their ‘Seen and Heard’ Piano Project. Unveiling a beautifully painted piano, the event also features live performances from local musicians before the piano is handed over to the public.
The SoundSational Community Choir and participants of the 2024 Hidden Harmony Project, will also be showcasing Lanarkshire’s talented musicians. Their concert, taking place in Wishaw on Wednesday 16 October, will cover diverse genres and decades from classic rock to musical theatre. Something for every taste!
Responding to the festival’s theme In/Visible, Discovering Hartwood is a multi-layered arts event which will celebrate and share stories of the often-hidden history of Hartwood Hospital, a former psychiatric hospital in Shotts. Including storytelling performances, live music, drama workshops and an exhibition, this is one not to miss. (Saturday 19 October)
Martin Stepek will share stories from his latest book of his Polish father’s astonishing and tragic early life, including his time spent in a Soviet labour camp, in Gulag to Glasgow. This series of powerful events takes place across Hamilton, East Kilbride, Motherwell and Bellshill from Tuesday 15 October onwards.
Long term collaborators with the festival, Bazooka Arts are hosting In/Visible Women: Changing in Rutherglen and Coatbrige. These therapeutic drama workshops will offer a creative, safe space to explore the impact of peri/menopausal changes on mental health. (Tuesday 22 & Thursday 24 October)
There are many more events to discover, browse the full Lanarkshire programme and book tickets here.
