Bulbs and Blackpool go together like tea and biscuits – though they’re usually the electric kind, used to such fabulous effect in the annual Illuminations. Now the town is about to go green with bulbs of a different sort – you could almost call it petal power!
LeftCoast in partnership with Avant Gardening and artist Rebecca Chesney are set to create a giant living artwork in the green space around Little Marton Windmill – and you can be part of making it happen.
Residents and businesses are invited to roll up their sleeves and get involved with planting the 100,000 crocuses needed to create the ambitious installation, over four days from October 30 to November 2. Everything you’ll need to take part is provided – so this is the perfect chance to let your green fingers get creative.
Not only will the planting create a stunning living artwork that can be enjoyed by local residents but it will also brighten the Preston New Road route into Blackpool for visitors. The crocus field will flower in spring 2015 and will create the perfect habitat for wildlife and bees as well as a rainbow of colour around the mill.
Michael Trainor, Artistic Director of LeftCoast, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for residents to be part of creating this huge living artwork which will flower every year and brighten the space around Little Marton Windmill.”
“We’re thrilled to be working with Rebecca Chesney and Avant Gardening to bring the community together to create this beautiful installation. We’d also like to thank the Friends of Little Marton Windmill for their support of the project and for offering to provide the refreshments on the planting days.”
Cllr Christine Wright, cabinet member for culture and heritage, said: “This is an excellent project and one that the whole community can get involved with.
“Planting and gardening is a great way for people to get out and meet others anyway, so to use that to create this giant artwork is a fantastic opportunity to get people of all ages to get involved in the arts.
“The first part of this installation is the planting, which I would urge everybody to get involved with, but when these flowers bloom again in the spring it will provide a wonderful spectacle for people to enjoy.
“As well being a public space, it is of also one of the gateways for people coming in to the town, so everybody entering Blackpool will be able to enjoy the final artwork.”
Planting takes place from Thursday 30 October to Sunday 2 November at Little Marton Windmill between 10am and 3pm daily. For more information or to book a planting time call 01253 477973 and ask for Jade or visit www.leftcoast.org.uk.
Featured image by Phillip Halling for Wikimedia Commons
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