Culture
in the Tees Forest

Back to Ranger index

In the summer of 2004, The Tees Forest delivered an extensive programme of cultural activity across the Tees Valley.

‘Blaize in the Forest’
In June and July Blaize Theatre Company was engaged to tour schools and countryside sites with ‘Yew Wood, Wouldn’t You?’ an entertaining yet educational drama production aimed at a youthful audience. The aim was to demonstrate that such a precious resource as the Tees forest must be managed properly for current and future generations and the play explained the importance of trees, woodland management and the many uses of timber. The Tees Forest anticipated that this message would reach a far wider audience if it were delivered through entertainment.The Tees Forest team aim to build on the success of its eventful 2004 summer season in 2005.

With financial support from Countryside Agency, The Tees Forest worked with its local authority partners to tour the play around their areas within the Forest including; Redcar & Cleveland, Stockton-on-Tees, Middlesbrough, Hartlepool and Darlington. All performances were free of charge and advertised through local events guides and regional press. An audience of over 6100 people enjoyed the production across the Tees Valley. In total there were 50 performances, incorporating 38 schools and 5 countryside sites.

‘Tales from the Tees’
The idea for the ‘Tales from the Tees’ Storytelling Festival stemmed from the success of two smaller storytelling festivals, held on countryside sites in Stockton and Darlington in 2003. As an organisation The Tees Forest is well placed to co-ordinate and deliver such a large event across local government boundaries at a sub–regional level. The excellent support from the five Tees Valley local authority partners ensured a strong project partnership fully capable of delivery. With input from regular steering group meetings involving site staff The Tees Forest successfully developed and managed the festival within its community liaison function. The storytelling festival met many of The Tees Forest and Local Authority objectives including:

- widening participation of both young people and adults in arts and cultural activities,
- widening participation within deprived wards with high levels of unemployment and low incomes. All events were free to the public, including those held at venues normally charging admission,
- promoting areas of heritage and natural assets, such as countryside sites,
- extending the range of opportunities for the people of the Tees Valley,
- encouraging more use of the countryside, gateway and community centres as well as recreational areas within local communities,
- promoting sustainable access by ensuring venues were accessible on foot, by bus or by bicycle.

Publicity & Partners
In order to keep a strong brand image for the festival, a local marketing company was appointed to deal with the production of all publicity materials, artwork and logos as well as distribution and marketing of the event, through the local and national media. 15,000 leaflets and posters were produced for local circulation and a commercial distribution took place around the region. Media coverage was widespread with over 30 published articles.

The Festival also received good radio coverage culminating in a live broadcast from Radio Cleveland. Due to the size of the project and diverse range of storytelling events and venues, a dedicated marketing budget was crucial to ensure the success of the project. With funding from the Arts Council, and contributions from Conoco Philips, Stockton Arts Development, Middlesbrough NRF Community Chest and a percentage contribution to overall costs from each authority, the festival widely promoted and was well received within the Tees Valley and beyond. With 18 separate performances in 17 venues across the Forest involving 40 performers, the Storytelling Festival received a total audience in excess of 1500 people. The highlight of the week was undoubtedly the opening event at Newham Grange Leisure Farm, which attracted around 600 participants.

For further information contact
Clare Lowe or Simon Blenkinsop
The Tees Forest Tel: 01642 300 716

Back to Ranger index