Portland Marina will kick start this year's popular b-side festival on the island.
Renowned for its celebration of arts and community, the festival is set to ignite Portland with creativity from Thursday, September 5 to Sunday, September 8.
The festival will get underway with a highly anticipated launch party on September 5 at the SALT venue at Portland Marina, this year’s headline festival sponsor.
The launch event marks the beginning of a weekend filled with art, performances and cultural experiences and is set to be a highlight of the festival, offering a preview of the eclectic and thought-provoking works that visitors can expect over the weekend.
READ: b-side festival declares Portland Marina as headline sponsor
This year’s festival theme, "Who Do We Think You Are?" explores the intricate narratives of migration and identity.
Festival organisers say that the announcement of the closure of the Bibby Stockholm barge, a temporary home for male asylum seekers, 'underscores the timely relevance of these themes, enriching the festival's dialogue on migration and belonging'.
Rocca Holly-Nambi, director of b-side, said: “Our themes of migration and identity resonate deeply with Portland’s residents.
"The launch event not only celebrates our diverse communities but also highlights the festival's role in securing the County of Culture title for 2025.
"We are proud to contribute to this cultural milestone through our commitment to bringing people and art together.”
READ: b-side festival on Portland announces first artists
The launch evening will feature the premiere of "This Is Us," a new short film by Hugh Dunford Wood in collaboration with Stephen Clarke of biggerhouse film.
This film uniquely captures 209 portraits illuminated by the fleeting light of a single match, revealing the diverse faces of Portland’s community and emphasising its shared humanity.
Following the film screening, attendees will be treated to a live sound poetry performance by Belinda Zhawi.
Her piece, "Viva Voce," delves into themes of displacement and the essential role of water in the narratives of loss and home, weaving together reflections on two historically significant rivers tied by trade and migration.
DJ sets from Vinyl Van and The Hoodoo (We Think We Are) Jukebox will also feature during the evening.
The launch party is a ticketed event costing £7.50 per person, with subsidised tickets also on offer.
For more information visit the b-side website https://b-side.org.uk/
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