Arts minister Lord Parkinson has welcomed a major free arts event that launches in Paisley tomorrow.
About Us is part of the innovative festival called Unboxed: Creativity in the UK which will see seven months of landmark events aimed at bringing people together through arts, culture and sport.
Paisley is the first host of About Us and will see a spectacular light and sound show take place between 5pm and 9.15pm at Paisley Abbey until March 6.
Lord Parkinson said: “Paisley Abbey will be drenched in light as a new £120 million celebration of the arts and creativity launches in this proud, historic town. “It is a major part of the UK Government’s levelling up plans to increase people’s opportunities to enjoy and experience world-class arts and culture no matter where they live or whatever their background.
“After the gloom of the pandemic, it is an important opportunity to enjoy the talent and creativity for which we are renowned.”
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Taking place outside Paisley Abbey, the nightly 25-minute show will feature live performances and multimedia installations to celebrate the entire history of the universe, from the Big Bang to the present day.
It will also include winning entries from the About Us nationwide poetry and Scratch animation competition for children, on the theme of ‘connectivity and the universe’.
Acclaimed composer and musician Nitin Sawhney CBE has composed the original score which will be performed as part of the live shows by the Paisley Philharmonic Choir, The City of Glasgow Chorus and Strathclyde University Chamber Choir.
During the day, pop-up multimedia installations will be open from 10am to 5pm to showcase the creativity of local children and young people with poems and Scratch animations created in schools’ workshops in Paisley and the surrounding area.
Lord Parkinson continued: “After dazzling Paisley, the ‘About Us’ light spectacular will tour to other locations across the UK including Londonderry, Caernarfon, Luton and Hull.
“It’s going to be an exciting year for the whole United Kingdom – and the government is working hard and investing in it, to help boost tourism and hospitality businesses and celebrate creativity right across the UK.
“There has been a huge effort by people in Paisley to make the show which starts tonight a reality. As well as entertaining everyone who comes to see it, this exciting event will serve to boost the local economy and remind the country what makes this part of the world so special.
“So thank you to everyone involved – and enjoy the show!”
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