This Autumn, Platform 4 Piccadilly will celebrate its second year with a weekend of music, dance and theatre from some of the UK’s most prestigious companies. Taking place in one of the city’s biggest public spaces, Platform 4 Piccadilly brings you a fusion of styles and themes in relaxing surroundings together with performances and fun for children and families.
The weekend begins at 6.00 pm on Friday 18th September with theatre and dance from a spectrum of companies including Chol; Fittings; Marc Brew; stopGAP; Akademi; Kompany Malakhi and Kazzum.
Music is provided by Hi Tech, Manchester’s hugely popular steel band playing hits from Joy Division and The Buzzcocks and Dr Butler’s Hatstand Medicine Band, who will be playing throughout the weekend. The evening will be rounded off by Avanti’s infamous human fountain the “Spurting Man”, who will be joined by no less that four other human fountains for a spectacular finale.
The fun continues on Saturday with Prêt a Porter, the extraordinary acrobalancing duo from France and there’s a chance to visit Plunge Boom’s Troll’s Kitchen an interactive installation where Master Chef meets the Brother Grimm.
Also on Saturday, don’t miss Prodigal Theatre in collaboration with Parkour originators Gravity Style in Fusion, a daredevil performance inspired by free running, followed by a workshop.
On Sunday, Creature Feature’s Gorillas running amok around the Gardens, the amazing Artizani present two great acts and mayhem abounds with Gran Tourismo when a bunch of feisty old ladies take over the Gardens in souped up shopping trolleys.
Throughout the weekend there will be a variety of performances and activities around the Gardens and there’s the opportunity to sample a wide range of food and drink, from a cappuccino to a traditional Sunday roast.
Platform4 Piccadilly is the second outdoor festival from the internationally renowned x.trax. Director Maggie Clarke explains; “We are delighted to be staging Platform 4 Piccadilly for the second year, a weekend showcasing some of the most exciting outdoor companies in Europe. The line-up features a variety of performances to suit all tastes, from the lyrical beauty of dance companies like Prêt a Porter and Marc Brew – to the daring feats of Parkour. There’s also great music and a children’s area – so we hope that everyone will come along and join in the fun.”
Janet Dunnett, chief executive of The Piccadilly Partnership, the main sponsor of the festival, added; “Piccadilly Gardens is the ideal venue for cultural events such as Platform 4 Piccadilly, as it is a vibrant, cosmopolitan area with a large amount of visitors. Once again, Piccadilly will come alive with a mix of music, dance and theatre. The Partnership has always recognised the economic importance of bringing cultural events to Piccadilly, as the increased footfall in the area will be of benefit to local businesses and show visitors the welcoming nature of Piccadilly.”
For a full line up of the weekend’s events visit www.xtrax.org.uk/platform4