Big In Falkirk 2009

[Paul ™]

No announcements yet, looking at past couple of years it shouldn't be too long

Planning on going to this again, probably just for the day line up dependant.

Anyone else going?

[treacle]

No announcements yet, looking at past couple of years it shouldn't be too long

Planning on going to this again, probably just for the day line up dependant.

Anyone else going?

[Da_J_Doc-~]

Whats the gen on this folks, is it worth going?

I have considered it a few times but have received varying reports that it is full of 15-16 year olds, is too overcrowded, parking is rubbish but i have also been told it is great on a sunny day with good stuff for the kids.

Also how far from the train station is it and are there plenty of altenatives to the music such as art workshops and street theatre, is there a beer garden?

Sell it ot me folks.....................

[Paul ™]

Whats the gen on this folks, is it worth going?

I have considered it a few times but have received varying reports that it is full of 15-16 year olds, is too overcrowded, parking is rubbish but i have also been told it is great on a sunny day with good stuff for the kids.

Also how far from the train station is it and are there plenty of altenatives to the music such as art workshops and street theatre, is there a beer garden?

Sell it ot me folks.....................

[treacle]

Is it just me, or are they leaving it kinda late this year?

Anybody heard any rumours about who is likely to play?

[Paul ™]

Looking back over the past couple of years threads, it was around end of March/beginning of April time

[-pogo-]

I seen McFly at that before they were famous!

[Red Day]

Went last year by chance and saw Levellers. Wasn't a bad evening and didn't see any problems. They didn't allow you to take your beer out of the bar which was a bit of pain but otherwise pretty fair.

[saraha]

Didn't seem to be as much street theatre last year as the year before.

we took 3 12 year olds and were happy for them to wander about on their own. Didn't hardly see them all day

[ampersand]

I seen McFly at that before they were famous!

[Paul ™]

Wish they would announce this!!

[rollergirl]

A quick search on Myspace has came up with this

Stereo MCs on Sat 2nd May - Possible headliners??? Stereo MCs Myspace

also found these

the last saloon - Myspace

icon 66 - Myspace

carnival collective - Myspace

Alana McLernon - Myspace

echofella - Myspace

Love over Gold - Myspace

Croma - Myspace

Patsy Reid - Myspace

Pheonix Q - Myspace

Breaching Copyright - Myspace

Lamens Terms - Myspace

[saraha]

A quick search on Myspace has came up with this

Stereo MCs on Sat 2nd May - Possible headliners??? Stereo MCs Myspace

also found these

the last saloon - Myspace

icon 66 - Myspace

carnival collective - Myspace

Alana McLernon - Myspace

echofella - Myspace

Love over Gold - Myspace

Croma - Myspace

Patsy Reid - Myspace

Pheonix Q - Myspace

Breaching Copyright - Myspace

Lamens Terms - Myspace

[rollergirl]

you've been busy

Edited March 23, 2009 by rollergirl

[ampersand]

aaw, was hoping for at least one id heard of

[rollergirl]

aaw, was hoping for at least one id heard of

[ampersand]

surely you've heard of Stereo MCs? There will be more announced so no doubt be something you like in there

[rollergirl]

ive heard of bombfunk mc's. f-f-f-f-f-f-f-f-f-freestyler, rock the microphone

[calise]

Most of these are local bands that will be playing the fringe tent. Hopefully we will have some announcements of bigger bands soon. I need to decide wether to go to my kids dance show or to the festival.

[rollergirl]

Most of these are local bands that will be playing the fringe tent. Hopefully we will have some announcements of bigger bands soon. I need to decide wether to go to my kids dance show or to the festival.

[Paul ™]

Announcement is on Tuesday..

[Paul ™]

Announcement is on Tuesday..

[Da_J_Doc-~]

Big in Falkirk has a strong history of discovering acts just as they are about to break through with Amy MacDonald, McFly, Snow Patrol and Sandi Thom having graced the music stage in previous years. Headliners for this year are Capercaillie and Stereo MCs. Capercaillie have been responsible for bringing Celtic music to the world stage and singer Karen Matheson's exquisite voice has made her one of the finest Gaelic singers alive. The band fuses Gaelic music with contemporary and has sold millions of albums worldwide.

Fresh from unleashing their album ‘Double Bubble' last summer, Stereo MCs are often labelled as one of the UK's most iconic bands and with Brit Awards and million selling albums behind them, they are back once again to prove that they're as innovative and relevant as ever.

Also featured are some of the best up and coming bands in the UK, including Falkirk's very own, The Ray Summers; Edinburgh's Young Fathers; Glasgow's The Skinflints, Scottish folk band Breabach; Andi Neate, who has been compared to Suzanne Vega and Tori Amos; Hobo Chang (making their Scottish debut) who play a fusion of blues, jazz, reggae and ska; Ben Sturrock who has been inspired by Ray Lamontagne and Van Morrison; power pop five piece, The Sears; reggae star Empress Ayeola (also making her Scottish debut) and Mugenkyo Taiko Drummers. Back by popular demand are: Danse or Die; Crieff's Day of Days and Carnival Collective.

Big in Falkirk stalwarts, Mischief La Bas have delighted audiences over the last 10 years with some of the most brilliant off-the-wall street theatre in the world. This year sees the world premieres of artistic director Ian Smith's latest productions, Beastly Beauty and Hurty Gurty Man. Over the years, Smith has inflicted his singing on the public in a variety of guises, from ersatz pop singer to faux crooner. Now he wishes to return to street level and these two newly-commissioned pieces show him dress up as a bull and drag a matador around (Beastly Beauty) and subverting the jolly image of the Organ Grinder by croaking out inappropriate songs of doom and despair (Hurty Gurty Man). Smith celebrates his 50th birthday this year and 30 years of artistic meddling - his shows are always a highlight of the event.

Dance plays a big part in this year's festival and new for 2009 is the chance to learn some moves in the Dance Tent which has classes running over the weekend for all ages and levels. Motionhouse Dance Theatre and Gilmore Productions - two internationally renowned dance companies - invite you to come along and shake your stuff and guarantee to get you dancing your socks off!

The dance programme includes Snowglobe, an installation exploring Flamenco with Angie Dight's beautifully visual spectacle. Motionhouse Dance Theatre presents Underground, attention grabbing performances featuring four dancers using stunning physical dance where the characters are constantly drawn together then torn apart, producing a thought provoking and energetic performance. The Park Gallery hosts Screendance, featuring innovative new works in dance, movement, cinema, moving image and visual art. Each piece provides a unique take on the fusion of dance and technology. The Screendance Film Project is a collection of dance film works created by young people from the surrounding areas. Visitors are instructed to look up high and down low to uncover the dancers and follow the treasure hunt of films waiting to be discovered around the park.

Falkirk's Children's Youth Theatre, in association with Mischief La Bas and Mitch Miller, will premiere their latest show, The Fantastic Staccato Bananas - a rip roaring and side splitting event featuring colourful characters from yesteryear performing ludicrous, exciting and mildly dangerous acts and lure you into the world of fairground life. If you don't find them, they'll find you!

Following on from its success last year, the Secret Garden is back. If you're looking for a break from the main stage, head for the more intimate surroundings of the back lawn and look out for quirky theatre, summer sounds and the Made in the Shade marquee - showcasing emerging design, neo-craft and vintage lifestyle. Expect a rock ‘n' roll soundtrack and old-time treats!

The East Village will have an abundance of activities for all ages including an under 5's fun tent with story telling and a range of games.

This year's Fringe Tent offers a platform for the cream of unsigned local bands and young bands from the local Rock the Talk project. You can also try your hand at playing instruments including guitars, keyboards and drums plus jamming sessions with Puff Uproar and the Shimmering Sound Affair who invite over 16s who play a wind instrument to bring it along and jam!

For the more active, there's an abundance of sporting activities including basketball and rugby and, for the more daring, a climbing wall, ski-slope, a bungie run and mountain biking.

The Festival Market is back selling unique clothing and accessories and there's a craft tent and the chance to try out holistic therapies and some tasty treats to suit all palettes from the food stalls.

Provost Pat Reid of Falkirk Council, said: "We're thrilled to launch 2009's programme for Big in Falkirk and to be celebrating the 10th anniversary of the festival. Over the past 10 years we have seen many spectacular events to suit a variety of ages and tastes and have established Big in Falkirk firmly in the national calendar of major attractions.

2009 is Homecoming year and Big in Falkirk's finale will be on this theme. A special welcome is extended to any visitors from overseas whose origins lie in Scotland and, particularly, in this area. We are sure it's going to be a weekend to remember."

Neil Butler, Artistic Director of Big in Falkirk, said: "We are thrilled to be celebrating 10 years at the top with Big in Falkirk. Over the past 10 years our programme has featured some outstanding performances and this year's doesn't disappoint. We intend to make this year's Big in Falkirk a memorable one with some of the best in live music; spectacular street theatre and performances. Our grand finale, Burns is Back, will be a visual extravaganza and is not to be missed!"

Marie Christie, Homecoming Scotland Project Director, said: "We are delighted that in the year of Homecoming Robert Burns will receive headline billing at Big in Falkirk, a festival renowned for bringing world-class entertainment to the heart of Scotland. With the festival celebrating its tenth birthday in addition to Robert Burns' 250th, a memorable occasion for Homecoming visitors to Falkirk is assured."

Big in Falkirk sponsors and supporters for 2009 are: Homecoming 2009; Highland Spring; The Buzz; Scottish Arts Council; IN-SITU; ScotRail; Falkirk Herald; Direct Distribution; Culture 2000; The List Magazine; Fopp and PM Music.

Advanced Listings Information

What: Big in Falkirk 2009 - Scotland's National Street Arts Festival, 10th Anniversary Special. The event is the biggest free festival of its kind in Scotland, attracting over 100,000 people in 2008 and offering visitors an exciting mix of the best in outdoor theatre, music and art in the heart of Scotland.

Where: Callendar Park, Falkirk, Scotland

When: Saturday 2nd May and Sunday 3rd May 2009, from 12pm till late

[rollergirl]

defo not as good this year as last year (imo) but at the end of the day its free so cant really complain

[Kowalski]

Big in Falkirk has a strong history of discovering acts just as they are about to break through with Amy MacDonald, McFly, Snow Patrol and Sandi Thom having graced the music stage in previous years. Headliners for this year are Capercaillie and Stereo MCs.