WINNER: Last Record in Teesside: Sound It Out (UK) premiere at the Georgian Theatre, Stockton
A DOCUMENTARY chronicling the day-to-day doings of the last independent record shop in Stockton caught the imagination of the nation, and so deserved a rather lovely screening it its home town.
Jeanie Finlay spent two years making Sound It Out about the shop of the same name – talking to customers about what Tom Butchart's quirky little shop meant to them as well as observing what went on and exploring the ensuing sadness if it were to ever close.
The film enjoyed its premiere proper at the massive film and music festival South by South West in Austin, Texas… but a regional showing – as part of the Stockton Fringe Festival – was loved by all who were lucky enough to get a ticket.
Paul Burns of Teesside Music Alliance which organizes the Fringe, says: "It's nice to be shortlisted again. Although we've had three previous nominations for our festival as a whole, we're pleased that one of the 'elements' of the festival has been chosen this time – especially something so unique and worthwhile in itself."
FINALIST: Middlesbrough Murals: Mackenzie Thorpe at Teesside University
MORE than 2,000 visitors flocked to see this new work by Middlesbrough-born Mackenzie Thorpe who was keen to exhibit at the heart of the town which inspires so much of his work.
His work has been shown all over the world including London, the United States, Japan and Australia. But this exhibition for which he created a suite of original artworks fulfilled his dream of exhibiting in his home town. A double honorary graduate of Teesside University, it was a fitting venue.
Alison Ferst, communications manager at Teesside University says: "Taking inspiration from his native town Mackenzie Thorpe created an evocative exhibition reflecting the industrial heritage and way of life in Middlesbrough in a striking and thought-provoking way. We gave him a brief to bring the public into the University's Constantine Gallery and he succeeded beyond our expectations."
FINALIST: Tees Transporter Bridge Centenary Celebrations
ONE of the North East's best- known landmarks celebrated its 100th anniversary with a series of events and spectacles.
In the run up to the big birthday, the most recognisable part of the town's skyline (which also had a starring role in the comeback series of Auf Wiedersehen Pet, don't you know) was lit up by a spectacular light show.
In addition, a group of brave souls bungee jumped from the Grade II-listed structure – built by Sir William Arrol & Co for around £87,000 – while a carnival parade made its way to the bridge, culminating in a bobby dazzler of a firework display.
Judith Croft, festival and events manager, Middlesbrough Council, says: "We are delighted to have been shortlisted for the work which showcased the bridge for its 100th birthday on October 17, 2011. Working with Emergency Exit Arts for the parade and finale, Johnny Goodwin for the lighting of the structure which could be seen for miles and Reaction Fireworks really put the bridge on the map.”
"The Tees Transporter Bridge Centenary Celebrations are only the beginning of the story and the work to upgrade the iconic structure to make it even more accessible as a visitor attraction."
