Press Release: FOREST UNVEILS AUGUST EXTRAVAGANZA!
The Forest has announced the first plans for its final Fringe in Bristo Place, filling the building’s three floors with free performances for world class acts and local talent. The self-sufficient community and arts centre is moving to a new home at the end of August but plans to leave its old home in high spirits after an exciting Festival. Highlights include the award-winning Forest Fringe, performances from the Free Belarus Theatre, international poetry stars, plus sights and sounds from around the world.
Ryan Van Winkle, long-term Forest volunteer and Reader in Residence at the Scottish Poetry Library, said:
We plan to have a joyful and entertaining celebration of all things Forest. International musicians like Amanda Palmer and Jason Webley are in the house and loads of our favourite acts from the past decade will be around and taking the stage. I always remind people – the Forest specialises in surprises.
Surprising, unique, award-winning theatre is one reason why, for many, the Fringe Means Forest and the Forest Fringe has just released their programme for August (see notes). Their programme include Gary McNair’s one-man show “Crunch”, a workshop from Complicite and contributions from Tim Etchells of Forced Entertainment. The Forest Fringe also includes a day-long programme of events focusing on this year’s radical and revolutionary movements including non zero one’s new interactive experience “The Time Out.”
As well as Forest Fringe, there will be a festival of spoken word organised by Inky Fingers, including international slam stars Harry Baker and Sergio Garau. The Forest will also host innovative events from publishers Bloodaxe, Salt and Cargo. August will also see the last ever Golden Hour, Edinburgh’s ever-popular literary cabaret, and band-nights curated by tentracks.co.uk.
Van Winkle added:
When the Forest began, we wanted to have a place where everyone felt they had a chance to perform. Where people could meet and play without worrying about massive debts or high-entry prices. Our runs are limited and the events change daily as local and international artists meet, mingle, jam and create new work across the spectrum. Theatre, literature, visual art, music – we have it all. Everyday. This variety and open access is why the Forest in August is always three floors of beautiful unpredictability, charm and quality.
The Forest is moving on 1 September to new premises. This is the start of a month-long celebration. Come along to celebrate our amazing past as the Forest volunteers and fans say goodbye to our current and much loved home.
NOTES
The Forest Fringe launched their full programme earlier this week, with full details available on their website (http://www.forestfringe.co.uk/festivals/edinburgh-festival-2011/).
The Forest is one of Edinburgh’s last remaining open-access multi-arts venues, and has become a multi-award-winning Fringe venue (The Forest Fringe). The volunteer-run charity operates an art gallery, theatre, performance and rehearsal spaces, a darkroom, a publishing house, a swap shop, a record label, a hairdresser, and a thriving vegetarian cafe. A detailed press pack about the Forest’s work is available online (http://www.theforest.org.uk/forestpresspack.pdf).
The Forest has successfully raised £25,000 to secure its future since October, when Edinburgh University Settlement (EUS), who owned 3 Bristo Place, were declared bankrupt and forced into administration. Previous publicity and information about the campaign to help ensure the Forest’s future is also on the webiste (http://blog.theforest.org.uk/savetheforest).
For the latest updates from the Forest, or to get involved, visit the organisation’s web site at http://www.theforest.org.uk/ or contact fundraising@theforest.org.uk.
CONTACT
The Forest, 3 Bristo Place, Edinburgh http://www.theforest.org.uk
Harry Giles Fundraising Officer / Media Contact fundraising@theforest.org.uk 07766191817
RELEASE ENDS