Open Bridges Anniversary Launch Of A River Full Of Stories
A new oral history initiative will be launched in Hull on the first anniversary of the Open Bridges event last autumn equinox when for the first time in the city’s history all 13 of Hull’s bridges raised, swung or closed simultaneously, splitting the city in two. Supported by National Lottery players, Open Bridges: A River Full Of Stories is now gathering stories and memories of life on and around the River Hull over the years.
The public launch event will take place at Kardomah94, Alfred Gelder Street, Hull, HU1 2AN on Saturday 22nd September. Doors 7.30 pm.
There will be a live quadraphonic performance of the Open Bridges musique concrète composition by John Stead ‘Moments in Time’ to accompany the award winning Open Bridges film. The opening of a new exhibition will also accompany the introduction of the next instalment of Open Bridges, ‘A River Full Of Stories’.
BAFTA winning composer John Stead will diffuse the especially commissioned work to accompany the 20-minute film. Produced for ‘Open Bridges’ by Humber Film, it is a multi-camera aural and musical documentary filmed from all 13 bridges and from the bow of the historic barge MV Syntan as she sailed down the River Hull on the Open Bridges night.
Open Bridges is a logistical and artistic first, conceived and managed by Hull musicians Rich and Lou Duffy-Howard, who said, “The idea for A River Full Of Stories came about when many of the visitors to the exhibition told us fascinating stories and memories of their lives working on and around the river. ”
Rich Duffy-Howard explained, “The River Hull has a rich history of many uses from small pleasure craft to commercial vessels with hundreds of tonnes of cargo, primarily within living memory of people as well as anecdotes and folk tales of earlier times and changes over the years. We met people at the Open Bridges exhibition whose families worked on the river for generations, and told us about the times when hundreds of barges and other vessels filled the river.”
Lou Duffy-Howard continued, “We wanted to capture these memories and stories and share them with future generations. We are delighted with the response we have had from people who have memories to share which we are able to preserve in an exhibition, film, website and a book which will be given to every library and museum in Hull and the East Riding.”
Entry to the event is free of charge and suitable for all, but please contact the organisers to reserve your place either online openbridgeshull.com/contact/, or by telephoning 07971 956963.
NOTES FOR EDITORS
Duffy-Howard Music – Hull based musicians and event organisers Rich and Lou Duffy-Howard are known for their involvement in city events since 1999 – Grassroots Free Festival (2000-2008), Wilberforce 2007, Winterlude Festival, Hull700. Former Red Guitars bassist Lou and photographer Rich’s current band Loudhailer Electric Company are currently gigging their debut album Cursus to critical acclaim.Rich & Lou are pleased to be working with Andy Richardson of Freetownway Promotions and writer Russ Litten for A River Full Of Stories. Website: https://loudhailer.net/
Humber Film Creative Community – Humber Film are a local not for profit film production community, established to showcase and develop local talent in the art of Comprising more than 50 filmmaker members from the region, film leads on the project include Phil Codd of Mollusc Films, Alex Twiston-Davies of ATD Animations, Darren Edwards and Paul Leeson-Taylor of Mindmap Productions.
John Stead – John Stead is a multi-award winning and internationally respected composer who has lived in Hull for most of his working life. Best known for light and sound installations, John’s work throughout the UK includes son et lumieres to celebrate the opening of Hull Tidal Barrier and Princes Quay, sacred space installations Day of Light at Lastingham and Another Mighty Angel at York’s NCEM.
About the Heritage Lottery Fund
Thanks to National Lottery players, we invest money to help people across the UK explore, enjoy and protect the heritage they care about – from the archaeology under our feet to the historic parks and buildings we love, from precious memories and collections to rare wildlife. www.hlf.org.uk. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and use #NationalLottery and #HLFsupported.
Project Web Links
Open Bridges website https://openbridgeshull.com/
Further images available for download from Open Bridges EPK https://openbridgeshull.com/open-bridges-exhibition-and-film-press-kit/
And Open Bridges project EPK https://openbridgeshull.com/a-river-full-of-stories-press-kit/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/open_bridges_hull/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/HullSubCulture
ENDS
For more information, photographs or photo opportunities contact
Rich and Lou Duffy-Howard
Email: richandlou@duffyhoward.karoo.co.uk
Mob: 07971 956963 or 07813 599551
