Mereside Field of Dreams to be hand cut by residents at Blackpool Scything Festival - as travellers re-settle
The stunning field has been a focal point throughout the summer
A gorgeous sea of blue radiated from a meadow of wildflowers during the summer, at the edge of a Blackpool industrial estate - but drew more than admiring glances from passers-by.
The Mereside Field of Dreams wild-flower meadow, bordering the estate was overwhelmed by insects and birds, some rarely seen species which made the area their home, including the rare Clouded Yellow butterfly.
Now, the field is entering its autumn phase and LeftCoast, which manages the disused area, is inviting volunteers and residents to create a series of three-metre-tall sculptural creatures made from the hay harvested at the forthcoming Harvest Festival and Scything Weekend.
But whilst the exciting plans are being made for the field, the neighbouring slice of green space on Mereside estate, travellers have temporarily re-settled, just months after being evicted by police during a several-hour standoff.
A small number of caravans, cars and vans are set up on the park, located on Clifton Drive in the town.
LeftCoast has worked with international artists Heather Peak and Ivan Morison - who will lead the sculptures - to turn the field into a meadow grown for biodiversity.
And Ivan will lead the sculpture building.
A spokesperson said: “During October, artist Ivan will be working with volunteers and residents to create a series of three-metre-tall sculptural creatures.
“Ivan makes beautiful sculptures that have been exhibited across Europe.
“He often uses the traditional process of hayrick making to create them.
“These artworks will appear on the field and will stay there over the winter acting as guardians of the space. Through the winter and spring, the nutrients from the hay will slowly feed back into the field.”
The Harvest Festival takes place from October 2-4 in the field where volunteers will hand-cut the seven acres through scything - reviving a tradition once central to the care of meadows across Lancashire.
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Other events during the weekend include:
Friday October 2, 4pm to 6pm - a community harvest supper club
Share a meal inspired by traditional harvest recipes with folk artist Jennifer Reid, and set intentions for the field through song.
Saturday October 3, 10am to 4pm - Creative Harvest Day
Watch the meadow being hand-cut by Groundworks and volunteers, or have a go yourself with scything trainer Steve Tomlin.
There’ll also be lots of creative activities to drop into throughout the day, including:
- Corn dolly making with artist Jade Lord
- Mixing plant remedies with Jessica Rost
- Creating wild clay beakers with Laura Negus
Sunday October 4 - Family Film Day
Films will be shown in the marquee with popcorn and snacks.
Relaxed showing (U): 11am Second showing (PG): 2pm
October 23, 6.30pm to 8.30pm
Event to celebrate the sculptures and to mark Lightpool’s 10th anniversary.
The community will come together to welcome the creatures to the land. Artists AndNow will fill the meadow with unexpected uses of light, creating an intimate and immersive evening of gathering, celebration, and seasonal spectacle.