The Mythic Coast project is part of the regeneration of Wyre’s waterfronts. The project comes courtesy of a cash injection from the Government’s Sea Change programme, which recognises schemes that have the potential to regenerate seaside towns through cultural and environmental enhancements. Match funding came through contributions from Wyre Borough Council and the support of the Lofthouse family, makers of the world-famous Fisherman’s Friend, manufactured in Fleetwood.
The aim is to develop a narrative for the seafront from Cleveleys to Fleetwood that will draw people along the coastline and connect communities. This is being achieved through creating stories, illustrations and public art works that will create a mythic story that can be enjoyed in print publications, through online engagement, community celebrations and as festivals along the ‘People’s Promenade’- and beyond.
The Sea Swallow story was written by children’s author Gareth Thompson. His story brings together the project’s aims: to reference landmarks across the Wyre; be appropriate for staging or outdoor performance; have contributions from the local community; include educational and geographical reference points; be adaptable for website and other multi-media follow-ups and open up themes for large-scale sculpture and public artworks. The Sea Swallow is his fourth book. His previous novels, published by Random House, met instant critical acclaim.
The book is illustrated by Wyre Way Mythic Coastline competition winner Hannah Megee. Hannah’s creative flair saw her beat off stiff competition from over 100 artists in the nationwide search for the right illustrator to convey the The Sea Swallow’s themes in captivating imagery.
Hannah’s designs also provide the inspiration for the Mythic Coast artworks which will be created by public artist Stephen Broadbent. Stephen designed the much lauded and award winning Cleveleys’ ‘People’s Promenade’, an exciting new public space that serves as a stunning tourist attraction together with sea defence works that will protect 2700 houses and 219 businesses in Cleveleys from tidal flooding.
Stephen will create a sculpture trail, telling The Sea Swallow story, that visitors can touch and play with. The first sculptures will be unveiled on Cleveleys promenade in Autumn 2011, with more sculptures to come, up and down Wyre’s waterfront. Other artists are taking inspiration from this project to create their own brilliant versions of the story, including a mural installation at Fleetwood’s Marine Hall, and Louise Wood’s hand-sized ceramic sculptures.
In July 2011, copies of The Sea Swallow were given to 4,200 Wyre schoolchildren aged 7 – 11. The book is also available to buy online.
Wyre Council secured financial backing from the European Regional Development Fund and the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment’s Sea Change development fund that made the Mythic Coastline project possible. Find out more about Wyre Council at their website.
Litfest, Lancashire’s literary development agency, oversaw the development and publication of The Sea Swallow, commissioning the author and illustrator, designing the book and this website. Litfest also delivered supporting material and events, such as an education pack and storytelling training … Continue reading
The public art studio Broadbent is overseeing the redevelopment of the Wyre Coast and is designing the sculptures that will accompany The Sea Swallow and form part of the Sea Swallow Trail. Broadbent worked with Wyre Borough Council, Ferguson Mcilveen, … Continue reading
