On Saturday 23rd June Eastleigh Unwrapped, produced by The Point, returned for its seventh year, welcoming over seven thousand people from across the region for world-class performances.
The free outdoor arts festival included a bespoke travelling machine for two in Pif-Paf’s The Flycycle, Highly Sprung returned with new piece Roots with a seven metre tree-like structure with bungee aerial and dance. Folk Dance Remixed led festival-goers in a Street Dance Maypole workshop and wowed crowds with their Step Hop House mix of maypole, clogging, ceilidh and street dance and the park heaved with families and friends taking advantage of the glorious weather and deckchairs scattered through Leigh Road Recreation Ground.
Audience feedback has been overwhelmingly positive “Loved. Loved. Loved it… a real mix of festival goers and curious shoppers and passers-by. What an amazing opportunity to experience.”
“I have for the first time in 40 years felt myself part of a community. The Point feels like the hub of a family and welcomes everyone.”
Festival Director, Vicki Hargreaves said: “Our community is at the heart of everything we do. The Point’s free annual festival Eastleigh Unwrapped showcased this at every level on Saturday with our highest number of visitors! From our amazing volunteers who help us run such an incredible day, to community members performing alongside international artists and thousands of spectators and people joining in, it was a magical day. Thank you to everyone who made this possible!”
The town centre’s other creative hub, The Sorting Office also opened their doors as part of their two day annual Summer Open Studios, giving festival-goers the opportunity to meet the designer-makers based at the studios and purchase a selection of handcrafted items made by the residents.
Produced by The Point and presented with support from Arts Council England and Eastleigh Borough Council, Eastleigh Unwrapped invites celebrated artists and companies from around the UK and Europe to the Borough to present professional works that the whole family can enjoy. The festival aims to support local businesses too as the town welcomes thousands of visitors on the day and places Eastleigh firmly on the cultural map.
Eastleigh Unwrapped officially launched The Point’s Summer Social; six weeks of outdoor events including family theatre, wellbeing, live music and film. Running now until Sunday 4th August, the venue’s Garden Stage plays host to an array of interactive activities and professional theatre shows that all ages can enjoy.
Image: Folk Dance Remixed: Step Hop House
