Liberty Festival

End Date:

4 September, 2010

The Liberty Festival is an annual event at Trafalgar Square, celebrating the contribution of deaf and disabled people to London’s culture.

Full programme for Liberty 2010 PDF

Sports and Arts Zone

Working with visual artist Rachel Gadsden and Wheelpower from Stoke Mandeville, an area celebrating collaboration between sport and the arts.

Photo competition

We are also running a photographic competition to find the most exciting picture taken at the Visual Art and Sport Zone on the day.

The winning entry will win an original artwork by Rachel Gadsen. Entries should be sent to: Rachel Gadsden at: rachelgadsden@blueyonder.co.uk by 14 September 2010. The winner will be announced on 27 September 2010.

A selection of the best photographs will be exhibited on: www.wheelpower.org.uk and www.rachelgadsden.com

The winning entry will be chosen by Martin MacElhatton, Rachel Gadsden and the staff at Wheelpower UK.

Aerial Zone

A programme of performances, featuring Amici Dance Theatre and Cirque Nova. Plus collaboration between Scarabeus and Candoco entitled 'Heartland'.

Street Arts

A programme of performances including Kazzum, Epic Arts, Rhinestone Rollers and Chutney. Plus 'Tandemonium', presented by Extant, a new performance installation combining music theatre and choreographed tandems.

BSL Interpreted Talks

National Gallery, Trafalgar Square

The Scientific Self: Sir Joshua Reynold's ‘Examination of Himself’. In Gallery 36 at 3pm to 3:35pm with Serena Cant

Claude-Oscar Monet's Irises. In Gallery 43 at 4pm with Jennifer Little

Theses talks are free of charge and there is no need to book.

Children’s Zone

This year’s activities will have an “up in the air' theme with an Icarus character helping participants to harness the power of the wind as they enter a 'Windy Wonderland” area of wind machines, fabric and sound. The Children’s Zone will also include installation work by disabled artists from Arteast. Curated by Emergency Exit Arts.

Cabaret and Comedy

This year’s activities will have an “up in the air' theme with an Icarus character helping participants to harness the power of the wind as they enter a 'Windy Wonderland' area of wind machines, fabric and sound. The Children’s Zone will also include installation work by disabled artists from Arteast. Curated by Emergency Exit Arts.

Music

A music stage at the foot of Nelson’s Column with performances by Yunioshi and Orpheus Centre plus three exciting young bands produced by Heart 'n Soul - The Fish Police, KDNA and Lizzie Emeh. Also extracts from Reasons to be Cheerful; Graeae’s new musical theatre production set during a time of political change with Ian Dury’s songs providing a powerful emotional backdrop.

Dedication to David Morris

There will be a special dedication to the life and work of David W Morris, 1958-2010, who was instrumental in helping to develop and direct the Liberty Festival. The programme will include a 'Chill out zone with films, music and open mike slot, programmed by Red Jesus Productions in memory of David. Supported by Disability LIB (Listen, Include, Build).

Everyone is welcome and everything has been organised to be accessible and inclusive. Programme may be subject to change. Look out for further updates in July and August.

Liberty Festival is looking forward to 2012 and collaboration with 'Unlimited', LOCOG’s disability arts, sports and culture programme.

Access information

Liberty welcomes everyone and is organised to be inclusive and accessible. A range of facilities and services are available on the day, including:

Disability awareness trained stewards
Programmes in different formats
BSL interpretation and audio description
Induction loops at information points
Wheelchair loan service
Free TfL Dial a Ride bus from Westminster Tube station to Trafalgar Square
Free parking nearby for blue badge holders (bookable in advance only, email:liberty@london.gov.uk)

For more details, see the Liberty Festival access information page

Liberty Festival is organised by the Mayor of London and produced by Greenwich+Docklands Festivals. Thanks to Attitude is Everything, Shape, Artsline, Independent Living Alternatives and Cooltan Arts for their helping in developing this year’s event.