Clitheroe couple launch new music and arts venue in Forest of Bowland this weekend called The Hungry Pine
A new music and arts venue – The Hungry Pine –based in the heart of the Forest of Bowland, near Clitheroe, will open its doors this weekend. (February 14 and 15).
Clitheroe couple, Ivana Douglas and her husband Tim, are behind the venture, located at Stephen Park, home of the Seek Out summer festival, that this year runs from July 24-26.
“It is our dream to get this going because I’m so passionate about making the creative arts accessible,” said Ivana. “Tim gave up his job as an engineer to do this, and the arts is my great passion. We need to encourage the arts more than ever right now and the Hungry Pine is on the doorstep of the Ribble Valley.”
The Hungry Pine have teamed up with Clitheroe-based music promoter - So It Goes - who brought The Bug Club, Dog Daisies, Mock Tudors and Rachel Sermanni to play memorable live shows in the town.
“Tom Ainsworth and Sophie Kenyon (So It Goes) are fantastic, lovely people, who have brilliant contacts in the music business.” said Ivana.
“They are busy arranging a programme of artists so hopefully we can put on some good gigs this year. Often, young musicians don’t know where to start, finding it hard to get gigs and venues who will put them on. We want the Hungry Pine to be that focal point. We want to give artists a leg up.”
Ivana added: “People have been so encouraging, willing us to do well. I can’t thank Forestry England enough because they have been so supportive in everything we’ve wanted to do with the venue. The Hungry Pine is such an incredible space and will be, I think, one of Lancashire’s most unusual venues.”
This weekend’s opening event, says Ivana, will be a showcase for local crafts: printmakers, painters, textile artists and on Sunday there will be music from guitarist and singer-songwriter Kole Cook.
Ivana worked alongside the late Matthew Evans, the creator of the much-loved Cloudspotting festival in the Gisburn forest.
“Like so many people who met Matt they were inspired by him,” said Ivana. “He created a deep impression on me because he was an incredible, kind and creative person.
“It feels like Matt is looking out for us up here, and it makes me very emotional thinking about it. Hopefully I see what we are doing is a way of
continuing his legacy. If I can bring a tiny piece of Matt’s dream and legacy to the Hungry Pine, I’d be happy for the rest of my life.”
The Hungry Pine – Hearts and Crafts weekend – February 14 and 15 - from (10am-3pm) Stephen Park, Gisburn Forest.
www.thehungrypine.co.uk