Circus fun launches new community library group

Pablo Fantastic with Hesleden Primary school pupils Logan Turnbull and Katie Main. Picture by FRANK REID

The Friends of Blackhall Library was officially unveiled this week.

And to help get it under way, pupils from years 5 and 6 at Blackhall Primary, St Joseph’s Primary and Hesleden Primary schools came along.

Hesleden Primary pupils enjoying the show. Picture by FRANK REID

They were treated to demonstrations of skills by circus entertainers from North East Circurama, with a theme of friendship and working together.

But circus skills were only one aspect of the colourful launch event.

Another of the highlights was a photographic display.

Local photographer Cath Ruocco held an exhibition which was all about an archive of photographs from Blackhall.

Clown Marty Bloomfield. Picture by FRANK REID

Funding for the launch event came through East Durham Creates. Its aim is to involve local people in creative experiences which are concentrated on East Durham and the people who live there.

It is part of the Creative People and Places programme which initiated and funded by Arts Council England, and managed through a partnership of Beamish, Forma Arts, and the East Durham Trust.

The project is also supported by Durham County Council via the East Durham Area Action Partnership and Culture and Sport Services. For more details, contact www.eastdurhamcreates.co.uk.

The Friends of Blackhall Library has been established with support from East Durham Trust and local people are being urged to get involved in the new group.

Creative People and Places aims to get more people taking up the chance of enjoying experiences based around the arts.

l Anyone wanting to find out more should visit www.creativepeopleplaces.org.uk.