Art / Rockaway Park
Rockaway Arts Weekend 2024 to feature screening and Q&A with Ken Loach
Tucked into the landscape on the edge of Temple Cloud, the former scrap yard turned creative community at Rockaway Park “where art is king” is constantly evolving.
Now home amongst other things to a ‘church’ – known as the ‘Chapel of Unrest’ – forest school, community forest garden, rehearsal room, therapy space and a podcast, it is the myriad of artist studios that will be front and centre across the annual Rockaway Arts Weekend, set to return on September 20-22.
RAW is the biggest event in the calendar for Rockaway, which has already hosted a rich variety of events in 2024, from punk rock all-dayers to supper clubs; sensory workshops to weddings; sustainable gardening courses to a wildlife activism evening with Chris Packham.
is needed now More than ever
As ever, the lineup will be diverse, taking in a mix of artists, open studios, workshops, demos, an art auction, free children’s creative activities, film and live music, food from Rockaway’s own vegan café and the launch of a coffee collab with Easton-based Radical Roasters.
Daytime events across the weekend will be free, featuring art, installations and open studios from Giles Walker, Fi Henshaw, John Curtis, Frank Riot, Left Cultures, Getting Up To Stuff, Rowdy, Subtle Vandal, Wildflower, WOW, Foka Wolf, Filthy Luker, Carry on Screening, House of Jo, The Chapel of Unrest, Liam O’Farrell and more.
The Chapel of Unrest
The evenings will offer up another flavour of entertainment. Friday night will open the event with a live performance from “one-man rock ‘n’ roll sensation” Cam Cole, supported by folk artist Arthur Buezo.
Raising money for community projects, Saturday night will be soundtracked by DJs with an atmospheric fire show from Paka the Uncredible and illuminations from sculptural light artist Jack Wimperis, alongside the memorably huge Rockaway fire pit.
And on Sunday afternoon, after the ever-popular vegan roasts have been served, Rockaway welcome Ken Loach for a very special Q&A and screening of The Old Oak, hosted by Steve Lake of Zounds and Blood Moon Wedding. Now 88 years old, the multi-award-winning director has said that it is likely to be his last film.
Rockaway Arts Weekend is at Rockaway Park from September 20-22, with free entry to daytime activities (12pm-5pm Saturday and 12pm-4pm Sunday) and ticketed evening events purchasable via www.eventbrite.co.uk: Cam Cole with Arthur Buezo on Friday and RAW Presents: Ken Loach Q&A with The Old Oak Screening on Sunday. Saturday night entry will be £5 on the door, with proceeds supporting good causes. Vegan Sunday roasts must be ordered in advance to avoid food wastage.
For more details about RAW 2024 including guest artists and open studios, as well as transport information, visit www.rockawaypark.co.uk, where you can also donate or become a member of The Chapel of Unrest.
The Sound of Unrest podcast, hosted by Steve Lake, is available via Patreon or YouTube.
All photos: Rockaway Park
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