Scotch-Irish-L Archives

From: <>
Subject: [Scotch-Irish] FWD: Apprentice Boys Festival 3 to 11 August 2001
Date: Sat, 9 Jun 2001 08:14:36 -0700

Hi folks, here's a forward from a friend (possibly the only
Apprentice Boy living in the USA) regarding festivities in that
city known as "Stroke City": London/Derry. Both communities in
Northern Ireland are striving to create open events that all can
enjoy. They are also reaching out to the diaspora. While we have
forgotten much of our past and our epic myths in the USA, our
cousins have not forgotten them. Not only do they remember the
Battle of the Boyne and the Siege of Derry, but also Scotch-Irish
contributions to the American Revolution better than most of us
in the USA.

In the printed version of this I recall being struck by a comment
about how they were having a Jamaican band -- and hoped those who
were not Jamaican could also enjoy the music. CLICK. This makes
sense in the USA, where we can attend Albanian folk festivals,
Jewish celebrations of the aniversery of Israel, Serbian food fests,
Irish and Scottish events, etc etc etc -- and do I mean etc.
We should be able to enjoy all cultures (short of headhunting,
cannabalism, and (being a vegetarian) rites involving killing animals:
I tell Peta about those ones <grin>.)

If anyone wants an email contact, email me.

Linda Merle

>MAIDEN CITY FESTIVAL 2001
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>Introduction
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>The Maiden City Festival was created to extend an understanding of Protestant culture in the City among all the communities of the City. Its initial programme was a modest way of showing the diversity and creativity of culture from within the Protestant community. The Festival has not intended to diminish the importance of the Apprentice Boys commemorative Parades, and has enhanced the membership's pride in the City and organisation. More importantly Parades are better understood as important cultural events in the context of wider cultural awareness.
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>The Maiden City Festival in 2000 was the largest and most ambitious week of events that the Apprentice Boys of Derry had ever planned. The Festival Committee knows that the combination of favourites and friends with new additions and new ideas is the only way to keep the week an exciting showcase for Protestant culture in Londonderry and for the Apprentice Boys of Derry.
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>Knowing what is needed to keep the Festival fresh and exciting doesn't make the organising the event any easier. The Apprentice Boys of Derry continue to emphasise that its events provide an excellent example of how a singular culture can be enjoyed by everyone - no-one suggested that the reggae band at the Children's Funday could not be properly appreciated because no-one in the Guildhall Square was Jamaican. The basic principle of the Apprentice Boys organisation that in a Festival for the Protestant community there should be scope for other communities to also enjoy the events in some way
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>The Maiden City Festival 2001 hopes to build on the success of previous years, attracting more to our events from the City, and to bring more visitors from outside the City. The Festival has helped provide an improved sense of pride across the City.
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>The Maiden City Festival is important to the Protestant community of Londonderry, providing the minority community with a means of making a greater contribution to the life of the City. The work of the Festival Committee has been outstanding. Particularly pleasing are all those who are not members of the Apprentice Boys Association who are contributing their time, energy and imagination: making the Festival a highlight of the August holiday period, a credit to the Protestant community and, increasingly, a major visitor attraction on the North West's summer calendar. The Maiden City Festival Committee in 2001 looks forward to the biggest, brightest Festival ever.
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>FESTIVAL EVENTS
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>Plans may rise and fall over the coming months. They always do. Ideas are explored, and perhaps set aside for another time. This document outlines the basic shape of Festival 2001. The itinerary is substantially complete. There are events planned for each day of the Festival, from 3rd to 11th August. These are outlined below. In fact the Festival starts long before the official opening, which this year will start with a special launch. There are a number of events that happen before or for the duration of the Festival that deserve a special mention.
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>SCHOOLS' "DAILY HERITAGE" COMPETITION
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>Pre-Festival, May/June, with publication of winning entries during Festival week.
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>We plan our School's Competition to enter a new format in 2001. We are currently working with local schools and media people to launch a "newspaper" competition. We are asking teams of pupils to publish a newspaper that might have been available during the Siege. Next year we hope to condense a slice of the Siege story in to a single day, with emerging news being fed on-line or by fax to the schools, with a one-hour 'breaking' news story to be distributed to the teams just one hour before the closing deadline. For this first year and to understand the logistics of working to combine various schools' disciplines we will provide an educational resource pack that will enable schools to create a newspaper that relates to some aspect of the Siege.
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>This project will involve many more people than previous competitions. A team of schools history teachers will be developing the resource pack for the project. We hope that local news organisations will offer speakers to explain to the teams the technical aspects of producing a newspaper or a news story. Of course, the final product will require pictures, interviews, features, page designers. It combines history, technology, writing and presentation skills. We hope that winning entries will be published during the week of the Festival. An exciting project that we hope inspires an interest in the history of the Siege and the heritage of our City.
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>MURAL PROJECT
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>Two murals to be completed in the weeks leading up to the Festival with one mural completed during the week of the Festival, with final dedication on the afternoon of Friday 10th.
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>Our three murals created over the Festival period in 2000 were welcomed as a positive departure towards using this popular art-form as a means of providing a narrative and educational contribution to the heritage of the Protestant community. This year the Apprentice Boys will use the Festival to provide a series of new murals in the City that commemorate key events of 1688-1689. We hope too that some aspect of this will be integrated with the W F Marshall Summer School. School participants might become involved in the creation of one of the murals as part of extra-circular activity linked to one of the day's study modules.
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>Historically relevant, and powerful in their message, the murals will be an important contribution to the City's character. The final mural will be on the first weekend of the Festival and will be completed for dedication on Friday 10th August.
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>APPRENTICE BOYS MUSEUM & EXHIBITION
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>Open for the duration of the Festival, 3rd, 4th, 6th-10th.
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>The Apprentice Boys has a fine collection of memorabilia that spans the centuries and provides an insight to the remarkable social history of Londonderry and the Association. The exhibition, will explain the foundation and significant aspects of the Apprentice Boys history and Association. This has always proved popular with those who are interested to learn more about the organisation. Located in the meeting rooms of the Memorial Hall, the museum and exhibition also provides a unique opportunity for anyone to take a look behind the doors of the Memorial Hall. All are welcome.
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>W F MARSHALL SUMMER SCHOOL
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>Takes place 6th-10th August
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>The W F MARSHALL SUMMER SCHOOL, strictly speaking, is not a Festival event. It is being organised by an educational trust, the Centre for British Studies. It is a five-day course of thirty hours of teaching, to be accredited by the NIOCN (Open College Network). The idea for the course arose from the two day Breaking the Boom seminar at last year's Festival, which explored issues within Protestant Communities. One of the points arising was the need for a format to encourage access to cultural learning and education catering for the particular needs of the "Protestant" community.
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>Why W F Marshall? In his time, he taught at Magee. W F Marshall was 'rediscovered' by a new generation in 1983 with the publication of "Livin' in Drumlister" a collection of poems that had eight subsequent reprints. The poetry of W F Marshall, a man confident of his own identity and sure of his cultural place, has popular appeal. His work provides natural focal points for a number of themes that would be of interest to contemporary life: identity, language and dialect, as well as the relationship between Ulster and America, and the relevance of the Siege of Derry.
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>Since the idea for the summer school has been floated there has been considerable interest in participation. We are pleased that two of the scheduled events are to be incorporated in the Maiden City Festival week. There will be collaboration between the School organisers and the Festival Committee to expand encounter with the wider Festival from among the School's participants.
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>FIRST NIGHT
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>Crack-it-open with "Premonitions" by Sam Starrit
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>St Columbs Cathedral 7th, 8th and 9th and on the Foyle Friday 10th.
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>We have always wished that others, from in and around the broader community, use the Week of the Maiden City Festival as a focus for their work. The highly successful production of local playwright Sam Starritt's "Lundy's Downfall", by the Crack-It-Open theatre group, was promoted alongside the first Festival in 1998. More recent success by the Crack-It-Open Group has similarly taken figures from the history of the Siege and produced a highly successful musical. We know from watching playwrights such as Gary Mitchell, how difficult it is for Protestant writers to make an impact in the arts scene in Northern Ireland.
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>We are pleased to support Crack-It-Open and Sam Starritt in staging "Premonitions" during the week of the Festival. This will take place in St Columb's Cathedral on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday Night of the Festival. A special performance is planned for the Friday night. A boat will leave from the Quayside and sail along the Foyle to place the story of Captain Browning and his wife, on which "Premonitions" is based, in an even more dramatic context. Songs from Premonitions and the story of Captain Browning and the breaking of the boom will be inter-weaved. An exciting innovation to theatre and an entirely appropriate event for the evening before the Relief of Derry Commemorations.
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>We hope that we will be able to highlight and support Crack-it-open's new production though our own marketing channels. Although, as with the WF Marshall Summer School, this event is outside the formal organisation of the Maiden City Festival Committee, we hope that we would be able to encourage and develop a dramatic platform for new work as part of the Festival week, and that this aspect might be developed and expanded in the years ahead. Crack-It-Open will be seeking to take "Premonitions" on tour to Dublin and other locations in the Republic of Ireland in the months following the Festival.
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>FESTIVAL LAUNCH
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>Friday 3rd August - before lunchtime
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>The formal launch of the Festival will take place at lunchtime, and will be a special day for the ABoD. No further events during the day, but the Festival starts to get in to gear in the evening with two popular nights of informal entertainment
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>QUIZ NIGHT
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>Friday 3rd - 8.30 pm - 10 pm
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>The Quiz Night continues to be a popular night at the Memorial Hall. Last year had over nineteen teams in a packed Minor Hall. We're looking forward to another night where we find out who knows most about history, heritage, culture, and general knowledge of and in and around the City.
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>VOICE OF THE CITY
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>Friday 3rd - 10pm-late
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>Having taxed the mind, we tax the ears and strain the vocal cords with an impromptu song contest. Talent is a relative concept, so come along and vote for your nearest and dearest or best friends. The organisers take no responsibility for the quality of entertainment, only a guarantee of a great night of fun for everyone.
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>MOUNTJOY CRUISE
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>Friday 3rd - 6pm - 10.30pm.
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>Taking the songs from Sam Starritt's "Premonitions", presented by Crack-It-Open, the story of Captain Browning and the Breaking of the Boom told on the Foyle as the cruise boat sails from the City out into Lough Foyle. What better setting for the Relief of Derry Commemorations and for the story of Captain Browning. There are 120 places on the cruise boat and there is no doubt that tickets will sell quickly for this exceptional event. The cruise boat returns to the Quayside just an hour and a half before the cannon sounds for the start of Relief of Derry Commemorative events.
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>BLUEGRASS ON THE WALLS - with Bluegrass in the Hall
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>Saturday 4th - noon-5pm .and then 8.30pm to late
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>The Bluegrass on the Walls event was a popular addition to the Festival last year. Once again a selection of the very best in Bluegrass and Appalachian Folk will be located around the Walls of the City makng this popular music accessible to all. The Bands will play on the Walls during the day and there will be "Bluegrass in the Hall" in the evening, for a hoedown in the Mem. with a very special celebrity compére.
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>MUSIC IN THE MEM
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>CIRCUS IN THE PARK
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>Saturday 4th - noon-5pm
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>Folk and acoustic sounds will be held at the Mem along with a series of entertaining dance from Line Dance groups in the City. After listening to the sounds around the Walls or an afternoon of encountering the sounds as you do some weekend shopping, pop into the Mem for a sit-down and a relaxed afternoon of light entertainment. For the kids, and the more energetic among you, there will be a "playspace" in the Society Street Car Park, with "in your face" circus skills and some folk dancing. All this is activity. back to the Mem for a sit-down.
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>HIGHLAND GAMES
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>Saturday 4th - 2 pm - 5 pm
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>We introduced this to the Festival in 2000. A number of teams and keen individuals participated in the event and the winning seemed secondary to the taking part. We hope that the enthusiasm of last's year's participants will encourage more teams to take part and we will certainly be working to make the Games a wider community event this year. No matter how many teams take part we expect it to be an afternoon of energetic and friendly challenge and endeavour
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>FAMILY SERVICE
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>Sunday 5th - 3.30 pm
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>The Family Service in St Columb's Cathedral provides a family time in the otherwise hectic schedule of Festival Week. Dean Morton has kindly agreed to lead the service, which this year will be themed on the topic of "Faith & Freedom", the Ministers and congregations who set sail from Londonderry's quays for a new world.
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>GOSPEL SOUNDS
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>Sunday 5th - 8pm-10.30pm
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>Last year's planned two-hour Gospel concert in the Memorial Hall lasted three hours, and no-one complained. Some of the very best Gospel artists in Northern Ireland will once again provide an evening of blessing in music. Gospel music is an important aspect of Protestant church communities, blossoming particularly in the evangelical gospel halls, but naturally migrating in many instances to the mainstream churches. This year "Gospel Sounds" will be held in a new Festival venue, the First Derry Presbyterian Church hall on Magazine Street.
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>W F MARSHALL Summer School
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>Monday 6th - 2pm-6pm
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>Keynote lecture and discussion
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>"MEMories"
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>Monday 6th - 8.30pm-late
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>There's no harm in remembering the past, so long as we don't try to live in it. Over the past few years there have been many who have passed comment to Apprentice Boys on their memories of the Mem when it was the meeting place for the whole of the City. This year we decided to offer a night to remember, and encourage all those who have fond MEMories of dancing the night away to return to the Mem once again. Foyle Showband will set us all in the mood for the All American Drifters Showband.
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>KIDS' FUNDAY
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>Tuesday 7th - 12noon-5pm
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>There was an afternoon of tremendous family entertainment in the Guildhall Square last year, with Calypso, street entertainment and all the things kid's love. Five weeks into the school holidays this is exactly what all parents need. This year there'll be disco sounds, steel drums, twirling stars, face painting, balloon modelling, dancing and a few guests "dropping in". So much. Plenty to keep the kids amused. Everyone is welcome to join in the fun - even the grown-ups.
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>JUNIOR DISCO
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>Tuesday 7th - 8pm-10.30pm
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>This year we have a disco with a difference - entertainment and dancing to the contemporary sounds of one of the best tribute bands around at the present time. Music will reverberate around the Mem from 8.30pm to 10.30pm. The kids will love this, listening to a live band playing all their favourite tunes.
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>For those who simply don't understand contemporary dance beats, and would rather leave the kids safely to get on with their night at the Mem, we understand. For the many parents who retreated to the sanity of the Memorial Hall's Society Club bar last year we have decided that this year the kids should not have all the entertainment. Some gentler tunes (real tunes) will be played downstairs for those who wish to keep their musical ear intact.
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>FIREWORKS
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>Tuesday 7th - 10.45pm
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>Noisy and exciting fireworks are a perfect end to the kids' day. The noise and colour of the dance hall is replaced by the noise and colour of the Fireworks Display. This is a real treat for everyone in and around the Memorial Hall, and a tremendous sight from across the City as the bright lights rise above the ancient City Walls.
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>ULSTER AMERICAN FOLK
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>Wednesday 8th 10.30am-5pm
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>In collaboration with the organisers of the W F Marshall Summer School we will have available a number of tickets to join the school for the day as it explores the Ulster American Folk Park in Omagh, looking at the issues that "pushed" or "pulled" Ulster people from our shores to the New World. This is part of a week-long learning course, so expect more than just a day out. Prepare to actively participate in an educational experience that will explore and illuminate history and heritage. Not ideal for kids, unless they want to learn with the adults. Cost for the day includes transport, lunch and entrance to the Folk Park
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>RAISING THE STANDARDS
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>Wednesday 8th - 8pm-11pm
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>The marching band community is poorly understood and widely misrepresented. The Band has been the starting point for many, not least the likes of James Galway. The Apprentice Boys are concerned that the image of the band culture is being tarnished and the real talent and dedication of outstanding musicians is being summarily dismissed. Over the year we have a number of initiatives aimed at raising the standards of the Ulster Marching Band, setting sights on the very best. And we are very proud of the fact that in drumming, flute and band music Ulster has world champions - the best bar none. We have arranged an evening of the finest band music of flute, pipe, accordion and brass.
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>WELCOMING WALLS
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>Thursday 9th - 2.30pm - 5pm
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>The 13 Apprentice Boys shut the Gates on the advancing armies of King James. Understanding the value of the subsequent culture of the Apprentice Boys of Derry and its consequent value to tourism in the City has been to the fore of the mind of our Association. Cultural tourism brings many to the City who might not otherwise make the trip this far from Belfast! Tourists bring more than curiosity to any location. The travel trade is an expanding industry as travel and holiday time takes up more and more of our disposable cash. Aware of the value of tourists to the City the Apprentice Boys has embarked on a project that brings experts and leaders from other Cities with Walls to Londonderry.
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>Along with the Junior Chamber of Commerce we intend to spend an afternoon reviewing how to make the most from our history and heritage as a basis for future development of the local tourist economy. Why are more people from the huge caravan parks along the North Coast not coming to the City on day trips throughout the summer? Why is the City not on map for many more of the dozens of tourist buses that cross from Donegal on their way to Belfast? Londonderry needs to be a "destination". Others do it. We hope to learn from them the key stages in placing Londonderry firmly on the tourist map, for home visitors as well as for the overseas traveller.
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>RELIEF OF DERRY PAGEANT
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>Thursday 9th - 7pm-8pm
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>The Crimson Players' Pageant has become a central feature of the Festival and the move to Guildhall Square last year, shadowed by the Walls allowed it space and location to develop. The event was a huge success, with larger crowds from across all communities in the City able to gain a clear view of the unfolding and colourful drama of the Siege and the
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>Relief of Derry. The Pageant provides context and place to the historic events of 1688-89. It also provides an outstanding piece of street theatre that is a highlight of the Festival.
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>ULSTER FOLK EVENING
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>Thursday 9th - 8.30pm-late
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>One highlight after another. The Ulster Folk Evening is as friendly as it is different. This year we are changing the line up to bring some fresh faces to the Mem. Scottish entertainers "Beggar's Row" join us for the first time. Raphoe Pipe Band, having had to withdraw from our ST PATRICKS WEEKEND, because of the foot and mouth outbreak, join us for the night. Back again are Belfast's Bright Lights Dancers and Willie Drennan with another "Clatter O'Fowk" joined by John Trotter. Tickets will sell quickly, and the Mem fills early, so buy your tickets as soon as you can and make sure you have a seat for what is the greatest Ulster Folk Evening in the world.
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>SING ALONG WITH NORMAN
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>Friday 10th - 12noon - 6pm
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>A quiet, relaxed day following the drama and excitement of Thursday. Norman Rosborough will play guitar and sing, not too loudly. Last chance to see the Museum and Exhibition, and time to relax before the big day on Saturday with the Relief of Derry Commemorations.
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>QUIET HEROES
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>Friday 10th - 3pm - 5pm
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>An afternoon discussion with two quiet heroes of the Second World War. The Ulsterman is a reserved modest and private person. You probably won't have heard of these two men, but in the Second World War they were decorated for bravery, in the air and under the sea; over the English Channel and under the Pacific. The record of service to the nation in the face of tyranny and terror passes by, largely unremarked but no less unremarkable. This interview style format is organised in collaboration with the Services Club, including a time to meet and chat with our guests.
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>RELIEF OF DERRY COMMEMORATIONS
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>Saturday 11th
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>The highlight of the week for the Apprentice Boys of Derry Association, the Commemorative events will include the traditional Walking of the Walls, the Cenotaph, the Service of Thanksgiving, and the largest Parade of the year for Apprentice Boys from across the UK and overseas. Last year eight coach load of overseas visitors who had been anticipating a enjoyable day at one of the most colourful and meaningful parades in Northern Ireland's parades' season, stayed away from Londonderry. Visitors and Residents will find a friendly environment and bring themselves and their curiosity into the City for the finale of the Maiden City Festival Week.
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• [Scotch-Irish] FWD: Apprentice Boys Festival 3 to 11 August 2001 by <>