Big Telly brings the Arts to the High Street in Carrickfergus

Following the success of last year’s Creative Shops Project, the Big Telly Creative Theatre Company will be returning to Carrickfergus for year two of its three-year programme.

A resident artist will be taking over a currently vacant unit on the High Street, from 14 October to the 9 November, to deliver a programme of theatre and arts and develop links with local businesses and the community.

The ‘Trading Stories’ shop will focus on the theme of Commerce and Trade in Carrickfergus. The creative activities planned include participation opportunities for shoppers, local traders and businesses. The project will celebrate Carrickfergus’ trading past and present and include an exhibition to showcase its discoveries and creative outcomes.

The Mayor, Councillor Maureen Morrow, said: “I can’t wait to see what Big Telly have planned this year for the residents and visitors of Carrickfergus.

“Last year’s events created a fantastic atmosphere in the town centre, drawing in locals and visitors.

“Growing the economy is our council’s number one priority and our high streets are crucial to that. Times are changing and we need to look at doing things differently and being innovative is one of the ways we can make our towns stand out and give people a reason to visit them.”

Big Telly’s artistic director Zoe Seaton said: “Last year we had an amazing time and one of the best shop projects in Carrick. We made some great relationships and links with the community, which we look forward to building upon this year. The programme has really opened up possibilities for creative opportunities in towns where everyone can be involved.”

Carrickfergus writer and author, Jo Zebedee was a key figure in last year’s creative shop. She said: “The creative shop project is inspiring in that it shows what can be done with artists and creatives taking over empty shops and providing something new to the high street.”

Jo is currently looking for premises to provide a Book Store and provide writing workshops in the town centre.

The Big Telly Creative Shops project is funded by the Esmee Fairbairn Trust, and is being supported by MEABC’s Town Centre Development Department and the Arts Department as part of its Amplify Strategy, to develop future growth and create a more vibrant business culture, promoting and supporting innovation and entrepreneurship.