HOPE STREET FEAST RETURNS FOR 2012

FOOD and fun lovers rejoice; the 7th annual Hope Street Feast is confirmed to take place on 16 September 2012!  The whole family can enjoy this vibrant day, as Hope Street and the surrounding streets come alive with a variety of cultural events in both open air and indoor spaces, including cookery demonstrations and special tasters from local restaurants, delicious delicatessen samples, real ale, live music, dance and theatre.

Hope Street Feast captures the spirit of the urban village fete, with visitor numbers typically topping 30,000; this popular and unique day offers not only a cornucopia of gastronomic delights but also 2 open air music stages, street theatre, and open days.

There will, as usual, be a massive market of fine fayre, farm produce, hot food, and other delights. Traders can book now via:- markets@hopestreetfeast.com.

The well-established Myrtle St stage will this year become the ‘After 8’ stage, named after the acclaimed year-round programme of intimate folk, roots and unplugged gigs held in Liverpool Philharmonic Hall’s Rodewald Suite. The After 8 Stage has performances from folk singer Sam Lee, Pauline Scanlon and Méabh O’Hare (who are both part of the 2012 Irish Sea Sessions), and Cocos Lovers to name a few.

The second stage will be at a new location this year, and will feature the finest of Liverpool’s emerging acoustic talent. Meanwhile Blackburne House’s Open Day will host an arts and crafts fair of local Liverpool makers: stalls are bookable by emailing:- craftfair@hopestreetfeast.com.

The Liverpool Philharmonic Open Day will include two free performances by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra led by exceptional Chief Conductor Vasily Petrenko, as well as the Rhos Orpheus Male Choir, Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra and West Everton Super Strings. The Rodewald Suite is hosting a series of free-but-ticketed ‘Conversations About Music’ taking place throughout the day, featuring various figures from the music world.

The street will witness a dance showcase from the talented students of Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA) and cultural institution Hope Street Limited's very own Athletics Association will bring humourous games of old such as hurdle-hopping into the future. Feast goers are invited to witness (and participate in) some legendary sporting challenges - the ones that should never have gotten away!

Directed by John Nicholson (Peepolykus), with Andy Frizell as musical director, costumes by Veronica Kelly, and set and props design by Olivia Du Monceau, 'The Lost Games of Liverpool' is the fifth street theatre event that Hope Street Limited has produced for Hope Street Feast and will feature walkabout acts, performances in unexpected places and specially designed sets and costumes to tie in with the sporting theme.

Simon Glinn (who devised and manages Hope Street Feast) said:- “Hope Street Feast is Liverpool at its most relaxed, hospitable finest. We welcome everyone to wander in wonder through the Hope Street Quarter and enjoy the exceptional offer this area provides to our City and its visitors."

Peter Ward, Director of Hope Street Limited said:- "Once again we will animate the streets with an original piece of theatre, song and silly costumes created exclusively for this wonderful one day festival which really brings all the businesses, cultural organisations, residents and public together for an unforgettable experience. More than 50 actors will provide 4 hours of non-stop mirth and merriment which will put a smile on everyone's face come rain or shine!"

Gary Manning (co–owner of the award winning 60 Hope Street group) said:- “We welcome everyone to come and experience the eclectic 60 Hope Street mix of deep fried jam butties, classic afternoon tea and fizz in a relaxed, al fresco fashion whilst enjoying other distinctive events available.”

Vasily Petrenko, Chief Conductor of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra said:- “Hope Street Feast has become a hugely popular annual event in Liverpool and we’re looking forward to welcoming visitors to Liverpool Philharmonic for our Open Day. The Orchestra will be playing two free concerts featuring Stravinsky’s brilliant music for the ballet, The Firebird and there’s plenty more music to enjoy for all the family, in Liverpool Philharmonic Hall and all around Hope Street during the Feast.”