Come along and celebrate Kirkby Life

September 25, 2007

Come along and celebrate Kirkby Life

A celebration of Kirkby Life gets underway in the town’s art gallery this week, showcasing local people’s fondest memories of the area.

The Kirkby Life exhibition has brought together visual artists, creative writers and film makers with the people to Kirkby to explore their stories, both past and present, about what makes the town special to them.

With involvement from people of all ages, the exhibition – which runs until January 2008 - is certain to jog a few memories and stir a few talking points!

Jo Dry, from Knowsley Council’s Arts Service, who coordinated the exhibition, said: “This is a really fantastic arts project which has tapped in to how local people feel about their town and demonstrated that through art, stories, poems, postcards and films.

“Whether you’ve lived in Kirkby all your life, or you are just passing through, the Kirkby Life exhibition will give you a real feel and flavour of the town and the people who live here.”

Highlights of the exhibition include postcards with written messages by community groups, market traders, schools, shopkeepers, art groups, older people, youth and play groups, people in pubs and many more. There is also a film - produced by Knowsley Council Arts Service and directed by film maker Neil Rostance – which was based on the stories of residents. It explores themes of pride, journeys, milestones, passions and fears.

The exhibition also pays homage to the famous names who call Kirkby home. This includes interviews with people including Everton FC footballer Alan Stubbs, actresses Margi Clarke and Christine Tremarco and boxers Paul Hodgkinson and John Conteh.

For more information about Kirkby Life, contact Sarah Craven or Jo Dry at Knowsley Council’s Arts Service on 0151 443 5619, or email arts.galleries@knowsley.gov.uk.
Film maker Neil Rostance, whose film about life in Kirkby is being shown at the Kirkby Life exhibition.