A unique art event took place in Colchester on Sunday 15 April where families and walkers were invited to 'Test the Town to Sea Trail'. During the afternoon, participants discovered the stories of the Hythe and walked the route, which was marked with banners, designed by professional artists in collaboration with the local community. Artists Andrew Rowe, David Mackie and Becky Adams have been running meetings and workshops with schools and community groups over the past few weeks to research the Town to Sea trail. The proposed new route will connect the town centre and the public quaysides in the Hythe for the benefit of walkers and cyclists. The route passes through some surprising parts of town each with their own stories and character, which inspired the themes of the banners. By testing the trail people were able to offer feedback to the artists on the route and its way makers.
People met at the gates of Castle Park, where the two-mile guided walks started from. On route they experienced the mysterious Moors, the River Colne and the Hythe as they never have before. Afterwards, the Colchester Sea Cadets welcomed weary walkers onboard their Lightship for a free cup of tea on the deck. The artists were also there to chat about the permanent trail and its artworks that will be completed by October 2007.
Heather Parnell, one of the three lead artists said "We are inviting everyone to join us for a spring walk with a local guide. We hope people will have fun and discover something new about this fascinating part of town at each landmark. Also, it will be helpful to get feedback before we finalise the route and complete designs for the permanent way markers which are being developed with local residents, youth and school pupils."
The project is funded by the European Union's INTERREG IIIB North SEAfaring Programme and local developers. It is part of the wider regeneration of the St. Botolph's Quarter and East Colchester.
For further information, please contact Jonathan Rochford on +44 (0) 1206 863513
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