UP & DOWN HILL

 

Commissioned for: Yorkshire Festival, Tour de France Huddersfield 2014

Writer & Performer: Adam Strickson

Live Music: Satellite Arts

 

Up and Down Hill (2014) is a cycle of songs, tunes & poems celebrating the Tour de France in West Yorkshire with

Xylosound Orchestra, Abatimbo Burundi Drummers, Singing in t' valleys and Singin' Slawit choirs. 

 

Two of the songs, with music composed by Andy Burton, are based on memories collected with older people in the Holme and Colne Valleys, West Yorkshire. 'Franny', based on a story told by Fran Brook, tells the story of a cycle ride from Huddersfield to Holmfirth in the 1950s. It was recited by the performer, while riding on a static bicycle to re-create the ups and downs of the journey, accompanied by Xylosound percussion orchestra. 'Horace' is based on the life of Horace Firth, a keen cyclist and colourful character from Slaithwaite. It was sung by Andy Burton and Gill Bond of Satellite Arts, accompanied by live music.

 

The performances were supported by Kirklees Council's Arts in the Neighbourhood fund & The Creative and Cultural Industries Exchange, University of Leeds. The first performance was on Friday 27th June at North Light Gallery, Huddersfield.