The Arts and the Sea

The over-arching theme of the Vessels Festival is Lowestoft's relationship with the sea.

Lowestoft has a long tradition of blending the arts and the sea and the Vessels Festival is a showcase of all of the arts- dance, theatre, image-making, music and writing. The Vessels Festival is featuring a mix of professional and emerging bands, singers, poets, painters, and crafters who all have an intimate relationship with the Lowestoft and the sea.

What is a "vessel"? It's a ship, but it's also a container.

The arts are a vessel for the human imagination, a container of communication between souls. Each vessel of artistic expression has been a part of Lowestoft and this festival of vessels celebrates our history and our future as creators.

Each mode of artistic expression has a rich history and active groups in Lowestoft. Each mode is its own container or vessel and can operate as a mini festival-within-a-festival. Think about what you can gather in your own particular vessel that celebrates Lowestoft's past and original creations that celebrate her connection to the sea.

Dance

In Lowestoft we have dance troupes and ballet. We have had original dances performed on the beach and traditional folk dancing. Dancing and movement will be a great part of the festival.

Crafts

In Lowestoft we make things and the sea has always been an inspiration for craftsmen. Netmakers (called beatsters), traditional knitters, wood workers, boatmakers, clothiers, and potters will have a place to demonstrate, have workshops, and display their traditional crafts.

Visual Arts

From J.M.W. Turner to present day visual artists, Lowestoft is an inspiration to painters, printmakers, drawers and photographers. There will be displays, demonstrations and workshops of Lowestoft's creativity and visual imagination.

Music

There's a great tradition of music here in Lowestoft. We sing and play and "make a joyful noise" and have a wealth of local bands, sinfonia, and musical groups. Artists who could be featured include everyone from Benjamin Britten to sea shanty singers. Rock, jazz, hip-hop, whatever...as long as it centres on Lowestoft and the sea, there will be multiple venues to listen to it.

Theatre and Cinema

The Vessels Festival has in its reach the lovely Marina Theatre, the Players theatre and two outdoor stages at Sparrow's Nest and Ness Park. Theatrical groups are already thinking about original productions. Three original films are in production and could be premiered at the Festival (fingers crossed!).

Writing, Prose & Poetry

There are writers of every type and stamp in Lowestoft and these creative talents will be featured. New books will be launched, writers will be asked to come and lecture and sign copies, and workshops are on the drawing board. Events such as poetry slams and readings will be staged.

Art is for Everyone!

The goal of the Vessels Festival is to showcase Lowestoft's creativity and relationship to the sea and to make that creativity accessible to all. It doesn't matter what your age is and how "artsy" you are, there will be activities and performances that will accessible to the newest participant and engaging for the experienced viewer. The point is to make things, learn a bit, and have some fun!