As excitement builds for this year's Hartlepool Fireworks Spectacular on Sunday 1 November, people of all ages are being invited to help create a stunning piece of community artwork for the event.
Hartlepool Borough Council and community arts organisation BloomInArt are running a series of special workshops next week where participants can learn simple basket-weaving techniques to create their own individual "spark" - a small woven form made from willow, sea grasses and reclaimed materials, inspired by fire, light, nature and the coast.
The finished sparks will then be brought together and illuminated to create a striking large-scale installation which will provide a dramatic focal point at the fireworks display and future events.
The artwork will celebrate Hartlepool's creativity, community spirit and pride, with every contribution helping to tell the story of the town coming together in celebration.
The spark-making workshops are being supported through Hartlepool's Pride in Place programme.
The workshop dates and times are:
Monday 26 October in Hartlepool Town Hall Theatre, Raby Road – 10am-11am, 11.15am-12.15pm, 12.45pm-1.45pm and 2pm-3pm.
Within the hour-long session, participants will explore the weaving process and create their own spark. After this, they are invited to take the time they need to experiment, develop their ideas, refine finishing touches and enjoy the making process.
Each of the above sessions must be booked in advance at www.culturehartlepool.com/events/bloom-in-arts-sparks-free-workshops Bookings are for tables of up to five people – adults creating individual sparks, or children and families who are encouraged to work collaboratively.
There are also some drop-in workshops – no booking required as follows:
Wednesday 28 October in Hartlepool Art Gallery, Church Square – 1pm-4pm.
Thursday 29 October in Community Hub Central, York Road – 10am-12pm.
Councillor Rob Darby, Chair of the Council’s Housing, Growth and Communities Committee, said: “The Hartlepool Fireworks Spectacular is one of the highlights of our events calendar, bringing thousands of people together every year, and this exciting project gives residents the chance to play a personal part in the celebration.
"Whether your spark is colourful, delicate, bold or adventurous, it will become part of something much bigger. By combining everyone's creations into a single illuminated display, we will create a powerful symbol of our community spirit and showcase the creativity that exists right across Hartlepool.
"I would encourage people of all ages to take part in the workshops and help put themselves at the heart of this year's spectacular event."
Rachel Laycock, Co-Director of BloomInArt, said: “We want people from every corner of Hartlepool to help create something truly special together.
"Each individual spark will be unique, reflecting the personality and imagination of the person who made it. When lots of sparks come together, they will form a beautiful collective artwork and a visible expression of the communities, neighbourhoods and generations that make Hartlepool such a vibrant place.
"These workshops are about creativity, connection and belonging, and we are looking forward to seeing people of all ages and abilities contribute their own spark to the celebration."
A completed, illuminated 'spark'