Local stories of the River Parrett in the Burnham-On-Sea area are among those being brought to life in a three-week multi-media exhibition.
The display, called ‘Out of the Mouth of the Parrett’, is on show at Bridgwater Library and features a sound, video and live performance production.
It aims to immerse visitors in real life stories, hidden treasures and the landscapes along the river – including the Burnham-On-Sea and Huntspill estuary.
The free event lets visitors follow the Arco Dart dredger as sails into Dunball Wharf with Capt. Jess Tyson.
Visitors can also hear echoes of the old Bridgwater Docks with Rex Woodward and Roger Sherring; set sail from Combwich in a hand built boat with Bill Johnson; climb the stairs of Careys Mill at Parrett Works with inventor Keith Shoemark.
“This voyage of discovery will bring alive the extraordinary River Parrett in all her seasons and moods as seen through the eyes of the people who know her best,” says a spokeswoman.
The event will run from 21st March to 8th April; with opening times from 10am – 4pm during weekdays and 10am -1pm on Saturdays. There is an evening session on Thursday 6th April from 6pm-8.30pm.
“People can pop in and experience one episode of the story, or visit for the whole 60 minute voyage, which sets sail approximately on the hour with a break for lunch around 1pm.”
The ‘Out of the Mouth of the Parrett’ event is a collaboration between Somerset County Council’s Library Service and Theatre Mélange, which produces innovative public events celebrating particular places and their people.
Cllr David Hall, Somerset County Council’s Cabinet Member with responsibility for Libraries, said: “This ground-breaking event brings together a diverse range of real life stories collected from local people who live and work along the River Parrett. Working with Theatre Melange has helped the library to connect communities in a creative and inspiring way. The transformation of Bridgwater Library is something not to be missed.”
This venture is a partnership between Somerset Libraries, Theatre Mélange, South Somerset District Council, Sedgemoor District Council, South West Heritage Trust and is supported with financial investment from Arts Council England, the National Lottery; Somerset County Council and South Somerset District Council.
