Well, that’s it – we are officially EPIC!
We are pleased to let you know that last night our wonderful Flyover Fest was announced as the Epic Awards 2015 England Winner:
“Rather than see millions wasted on tearing down an ugly, under-used flyover, this innovative group is turning it into a cultural space for everyone to enjoy.”
Epic Awards is an annual initiative run by Voluntary Arts. The awards champion creative cultural participation and shine a spotlight on excellence and achievement in the voluntary arts sector.
The reception took place at MediaCityUK compared by BBC Radio 4 presenter Sheila McClennon who said: “Sometimes the simplest ideas are the best these people have made a real difference to their communities.”
Ed Vaizey MP, Minister of State for Culture and the Digital Economy in England also commented:
“Many congratulations to Friends of the Flyover for winning the Epic Award 2015. They can, and should, be very proud indeed for what they have achieved in such a short amount of time. Flyover Fest is a fantastic example of local people working together creatively and with innovation to transform their community through the power of arts and culture. I have seen this happen with other projects in all parts of the country, and it is inspiring to see the effect that taking part in creative cultural activity can have on the lives of people, and the strength and identity of their community.
I am proud to have supported Epic Awards since the first winners’ reception in 2011 and I have the greatest respect for all the winners, runners-up and shortlisted groups. They show the positive difference that voluntary arts groups can make across the country.”
Kate Stewart, Steve Threlfall and Toria Buzza collecting the EPIC Award for England for Flyover Fest community event
Friends of the Flyover said: “We are thrilled that our event Flyover Fest has been chosen as the national winner for England in the Epic Awards. Flyover Fest was a massive public consultation event and celebration of our idea to transform 25,000 tonnes of concrete highway, walkways and spaces beneath into an elevated urban park. The Flyover Fest event showed just how successful the project could be and how the space could go on to be an important venue in Liverpool for more cultural and arts events owned and managed by the voluntary sector. We are excited about what will happen in the next chapter of The Flyover.” (Kate Stewart, Friends of the Flyover)
Why not watch the video from a brilliant local filmaker Tom Foolery Ltd !
