Shining a beacon of light on Arbroath
Arbroath 2020+1 was a trailblazing festival that reflected Arbroath moving forward embracing culture to connect communities and shine a bright light on the town. The Arbroath 2020+4 committee continue to cultivate creative and cultural opportunity for the town – our focus in 2024 is our programme in The New Scriptorium in Arbroath Abbey and the annual festival flags.
Co-created and inspired by residents, local partners, and grassroots organisations, the 2021 festival included major artistic events, premieres and commissions across heritage, music, literature, and visual arts. New commissions in performance, art & design and music by internationally renowned Scottish artists featured alongside a series of collaborative community projects transforming the streets of Arbroath.
Following Scottish Government guidelines, many of the activities took place during the Covid 19 pandemic and events, installations and performances were programmed to creatively adapt to the restrictions whilst putting culture in the heart of the community.
2020+1 Festival Flags Arbroath High Street Dundee Print Collective have developed a series of festival flags on display in Arbroath High Street.
Clattering Cavalry Multiple locations Arbroath Town Centre lead artist Mandy McIntosh has created a Clattering Cavalry of horses inspired by the Arbroath Pageant Procession of 1947-2005. This giant public artwork will fill shop windows and walls around Arbroath.
Blueprints for Arbroath A multi-location display of cyanotype textile artworks created by artist Jeni Reid.Artist led walk Saturday 10 July 11:00am
Sea Washed Light Fit O’ the Toon Saturday 3 July Sea Washed Light shines a bright light on the Fit O’ the Toon.Enjoy a socially distanced sea serpent and jellyfish neighbourhood walk between 5-6pm.
Declaration of Arbroath Heritage Trail Saturday 3 July 3pm Meet outside Arbroath Abbey Specially narrated heritage walks with Blythe Stockdale
From Fishwives to Factory Girls: Arbroath Women’s Heritage Trail Saturday 3 July 11am Meet at Old Shore Head Specially narrated heritage walks with Blythe Stockdale
Ruffs Dogs in the Park Sunday 4 July, 2pm Beacon Green A socially distanced medieval-themed fashion photoshoot inspired by historic pageantry and all the wonderful dogs of the town.
Auchmithie Haar Saturday 10 July, 1:30pm and 3pm Arbroath Fish Market Live heritage performance
Sunday 8 August, 12 noon and 3pm Arbroath fish Market
A new collaborative performance of music for poetry inspired by whale song. By Lesley Harrison, Katherine Wren and Alex South.
9-19 September, Lunan Bay
Aproxima Arts’ Angus Farquhar with script by Purni Morell. This major live commission blends a monumental sound and light installation with elements of ‘public memorial’ as audience members are immersed in an environmental art piece that draws on the fragility of the natural world and ancient mythologies. This special open-air production running from 9 – 19 September is designed to be enjoyed in a relaxed socially distant environment.
Pick up a free Arbroath2020+1 programme guide
Stocked in multiple retailers Arbroath High Street
With the all new Declarations of Arbroath and Clattering Cavalry treasure hunt!
Arbroath Festival is made possible due to the support from our project funders.
