Anita to deliver inaugural Earhart Lecture

Mrs Robinson will hold court on Friday, May 18 The inaugural lecture will share Anita’s unique, thought-provoking and witty insights and observations on the topic of inspirational women, and their contribution to society. The lecture promises to be one of the most prestigious events of the 2012 Earhart Community Arts Festival.

Festival director Oliver Green said: “This year sees the 80th anniversary of Amelia Earhart’s unscheduled landing in Ballyarnett on May 21, 1932, when she made history by becoming the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic.

“To celebrate this special anniversary, the Festival will this year move to its new dates of May 14 to 21. This marks the next major step in its planned and steady transition from a community event to one of international standing.

“This will be a public lecture, kindly hosted by Anita’s Alma Mater, Thornhill College. Doors will open at 10.30am and the lecture will be followed by refreshments. I am confident it will become a key event in arts and culture circles and beyond.”

Those aged between 14 and 17 who want to become involved in the ‘Messin with the Music’ event, as part of the festival will be welcome.

The workshops are back because of their massive appeal and also because they help develop emerging talent and creativity. The climax of the week’s workshops will be the two live concerts, which will be staged at Northside Shopping Centre on Sunday, May 20 and Guildhall Square on Monday, May 21. The workshops will run from Monday, May 12 to Friday, May 18, with sessions lasting from 6pm to 9.30pm at ‘Studio 2’, Skeoge industrial estate. The workshops are free, but all musicians must commit to the week long programme.

The tutors will be Denis Mc Laughlin, Caolan McLaughlin and Tommy McAleer.

However, the deadline for applications is today, Wednesday, May 9.

Meanwhile, the Dancing with Derry workshops get underway next week, facilitated by Irina Melly. Workshops will consist of the Streetfeet Juniors (ages five to 10) and Streetfeet Seniors, (ages 11 to 17). Dance styles on offer include Zumba, Street Dance and Hip-Hop and will also be at Studio 2, with the first on Tuesday, May 15, at 4pm. The climax of the week’s workshops is also the two live concerts, on May 20 and 21.

The Festival is offering eight small, diverse, community organisations from across the north west the opportunity to come together to tell their own unique stories in supportive and empathic surroundings. It’s part of the Festival’s contribution to National Community Relations Week.

The event is being run in partnership with Galliagh Women’s Group and the City Council’s Community Relation Officers. It will be held in the Cottage in the Craft Village, Shipquay Street, next Thursday, May 17. starting at 10.30am and lasting for around three hours. A light lunch will be provided.

For further information on any of the events contact Donna by email at [email protected] or by telephoning 028 7135 7443.