Lancashire myths and legends retold on film

Everyone knows about the Pendle Witches – but a new Heritage Lottery funded project is hoping to unearth lesser-known myths and legends of the wider area, and retell the stories on film.
By The Newsroom
Published 9th Apr 2015, 12:14 BST
Pendle Witches filming (S)Pendle Witches filming (S)
Pendle Witches filming (S)

St Vincent’s Housing Association has been awarded the funding to work with young people aged 16 to 25 from Blackburn Foyer, a supported housing scheme. And now there are limited places for other young local residents to take part in this exciting project.

Working with award-winning media production company REELmcr, a series of skills workshops will help participants create two films, which will be screened at a special Telling Tales festival to mark the culmination of the project.

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The first film will be covering Blackburn and Darwen; while the second film is covering the Rossendale Valley, Rawtenstall, Milnrow and Todmorden areas.

There will be visits to the Moors, Turton Tower and Clitheroe Castle that will help uncover myths and legends, while professional storytellers including Richard O’Neil, winner of the ‘National Literacy Hero’ award, and Blackburn’s Jackie Thompson, a screenwriter for the BBC, will also be helping commit the stories to film.

Jacqui Carroll, Creative Director of REELmcr said: “We are very excited to have the opportunity to work with St Vincent’s and the people of Blackburn Foyer to unearth some of the forgotten stories of Lancashire. The county has a wonderful and rich heritage and we are looking forward to resurrecting old myths and legends and filming them for a new audience so that the tales and traditions are not lost.

“We would love as many people as possible from the community to take part, and would ask any residents with information or knowledge to contact the project and share what they know. In addition, if anyone would like to get involved in any capacity, either appearing in the film or helping with production, please get in touch with us. We are looking forward to hearing from you.”

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Anita Gibson, Foyer Manager at The Blackburn with Darwen Foyer said: “Engagement with the project has been good. REELmcr have taken the time to get know our residents before widening the net and this has encouraged participation and engagement. Residents have enjoyed the activities learning about local myths and legends across Lancashire, and are looking forward to the celebratory event culminating in a large Hollywood style film premier in early 2016 at local venue in Blackburn”

Anyone interested in taking part please contact [email protected]. Or call the Creative Director of REELmcr Jacqui Carroll on 07931 234890.

Related topics:Lancashire