The Big Dance – Photos by Johnny Bean
at The Stone Jetty Cafe, Morecambe Promenade. May 16th – June 27th
Johnny Bean’s latest exhibition features photographs from one joyous day back in 2014 when, together with local business Typical Type, he invited dancers of all kinds, young, old, professional, amateur, from Ballroom to Morris dancing, and photographed them doing their thing in front of Typical Type’s 6ft tall illuminated DANCE letters.
The exhibition opens on Wednesday night at 6pm with a launch that coincides with the Eden Project Community’s Big Walk launch. You’re all invited, but expect to DANCE!
The Big Walk
The Big Walk is a simple idea that connects people and communities and has the potential to engage with millions of people, a canvas on which to tell the story of connected communities across the UK, shining a light on ordinary people doing extraordinary things to make a
difference where they live. It will show the rich diversity of the communities that make up the backbone of the UK, with the walk itself demonstrating the commonality that we all share.
Why Morecambe…?
Morecambe has been identified by Ordnance Survey as being the “geographical heart of the UK”, and is famous for its beaches, proximity to the Lake District and mountain backdrop across the bay. As well as being scenic, Morecambe has RSPB reserves around it and a number of options for a start point. We have an amazing community spirit in Morecambe and Lancaster with communities who are very active, making good things happen where they live. This in itself makes it a great place to begin The Big Walk, and will help raise the profile of community activity in the area, working alongside local people to promote the positive within Morecambe and turn around any negative perceptions
of the area. The Big Walk 2018 will set off from the ‘geographical heart of the UK, Morecambe Bay, on the 16th May.
The Big Walk’s 4 walkers and the route crews will spend the day in Morecambe connecting and shining a light on the communities there. The day will culminate in a community walk and gathering in the Bay, from where the official walkers will set off. With each route walking towards a different UK destination – they will be arriving in Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales, and England, connecting people and communities as they walk home in time for the UK’s biggest community-led celebration – The Big Lunch on 3 June, a day when millions of people across the UK will be coming together and having lunch with their neighbours.
Join The Big Walk
- From 4-5pm: A mile-long community walk will take place along Morecambe Promenade, with community groups, Morecambe primary school and many more.
- From 5-7pm: A Community Celebration Fete will take place featuring a range of community groups celebrating and showcasing their activities and bringing communities together. Including live music, performers, activities, stalls etc.
- 7pm: Wave farewell to the walkers as they leave to walk hundreds of mile home to their Big Lunch.