Residents of a Scottish town that has been declared the "ancestral home" of the film Local Hero have announced a festival celebrating its 40th anniversary.
Those familiar with the movie, released in 1983, will know that it tells the story of an American oil company representative who is sent to the fictional Scottish village of Ferness to buy the town and surrounding property for the company. Much of Local Hero was filmed in Aberdeenshire, including Banff, and it is hoped that the festival will bring new visitors to the town.
The Local Hero festival will take place over 21 days, and will feature a number of activities honouring the cult classic. Among the headliner events will be a “National Rabbit Pie Bake Off”, as well as an "immersive Northern Light experience with a free public display".
Other highlights of the festival will include a recreation of the film's ceilidh scene in the very location it was shot, and a portable interactive art installation of a series of red telephone boxes commissioned to appear at various locations on the Banffshire coast.
The event is being organised by local resident and chef Andrew Mellon, who hopes it will "bring the whole community together" and "rescue" the town's reputation following a decline in the number of retailers in recent years.
The festival, which will run from May 7 to May 27, will unite businesses on the Banffshire Coast, with local food and drink playing a "major role in attracting visitors". Mellon will set up a pop-up restaurant in his up-cycled kitchen N/ine that will offer "an immersive dining experience including a six course 'Local Hero Tasting Menu' and live entertainment".
Meanwhile, there will be "Local Hero themed menus" at restaurants, bistros, and cafes in the area, while Banff shops will offer "Local Hero discounts" to visitors. Additionally, there will be a "Local Hero Farmers and Makers Market" with an emphasis on locally made and sourced produce.
Festival planners have leased the old RBS bank building on Banff’s high street, and will use its 6,000 square feet to house a visitor centre, exhibition and small cinema with three screening rooms. Organisers hope there’ll be enough money from revenues to donate to local charities and set up a permanent ‘Local Hero Exhibit’ at Banff Museum, post-festival.
Local Hero Festival Director Andrew Mellon commented: “It might be April Fool’s Day, but it's no joke that Local Hero is coming home! Planning a festival in five weeks is a real challenge, but we expect this to be the biggest and best celebration of the iconic movie.
"People can come to Banff and enjoy an amazing day out full of festivities, without needing to spend a penny. It's all about the community coming together – whether you want to relax to Mark Knofpler’s music, watch some live performances or go on a guided walking tour, there’s something for everyone."
The Local Hero festival will be free for all to attend.
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