Going out with a bang

Public-exterior-300x224Local visual and performing artists come together to celebrate The Public

From 11th-16th November thousands of people are expected to visit West Bromwich arts centre, The Public, to join in with a week-long celebration.

Acknowledging the people who have made the Black Country venue such a vibrant and valuable community hub, Celebration Week will feature an excitement free programme of entertaining events, family activities and visual arts.

Culminating in a special community Celebration Day on Saturday 16th November – the last day the venue will be open – throughout the week, local musicians, comedians, dance and theatre groups will come together to showcase their talents. Visitors will also be able to explore a fascinating exhibition featuring Public memorabilia and a collection of work by a number of local artists themed around the building and its programme.

On Wednesday 13th November a number of local acoustic artists will be performing in the café from 12–4pm and in the evening, the venue will host an informal open mic event.  Amongst the performers will be musicians Billy Spakemon, Brendan Hawthorne and Lara Franklin, and local comedian Masai Graham. The evening will also feature spoken word from members of West Midlands Writers Group – who have been holding their fortnightly meetings at The Public for over three years.  Those wishing to take perform at the event are requested to email [email protected].Two of The Public’s most popular resident music promoters, Judgestock and Now We Are join forces on Friday 16th November for a memorable evening of free live music.  Local classic rock covers band, Crazy Horses headline the night, with support from Shana Tova, Vault of Eagles and acoustic duo Jade & JP.

A special commemorative Tea Dance – The Last Dance, will be taking place on Thursday 14th November.  The ever popular fortnightly dances, which have become synonymous with the venue, have been taking place since 2009, drawing in regular visitors from across the region.

On Saturday 16th November, to mark the last day the building will be open in its current form, the whole community will be invited to join local musicians, dance groups and theatre performers for a special celebratory event.  At 3pm, the Mayor of Sandwell, Councillor Linda Horton will pay thanks to all those who have made The Public such a great place over the last few years.

To wrap up the week long activities, at 9pm on 16th November West Bromwich cult heroes, the Busby Babes, will be performing a variety of offbeat covers. A spokesperson from The Public said, “Celebration Week will provide a fantastic opportunity for the whole community to come together, share their memories of The Public, and celebrate the talent and enthusiasm of the people who have made it the vibrant hub it is today. The local community have always been at the heart of all we do.  Celebration Week is our way of saying thank you to the people of Sandwell and all those who have worked with us over the years to make the building their own.”

For a full list of Celebration Week activities visit www.thepublic.com or call 0121 533 7161.

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