Come Together: Unlocked Residency

From 16-21 July 2022, Saffron Hall set up camp in the Saffron Community Link for a week of free activities, workshops and performances. The Come Together: Unlocked residency was a celebration of the creativity of people from across Uttlesford and beyond and an opportunity for everyone to get creative, try something new and make new creative connections.

Behind the Door...

A community Art Installation “behind the door” was the centre piece of the residency. Behind the Door began life earlier this year with a series of workshops across the community. Everybody who participated created and decorated a unique model doorway – with each one opening to reveal a hidden story, or to celebrate something important to its creator.

Throughout the week we invited people to drop into the space and contribute their own stories to this ever growing installation.

We were overwhelmed by some of the creative responses to this idea...

The incredible team at the Saffron Walden Community Shed designed and built the structure that bought all of these creations together and provided the backdrop for other events during the week.

Live Music...

Visitors to our drop in sessions enjoyed live music from Audley Brass, Saffron Centre for Young Musicians and from Harpist Alice Huws and Flautist Carys Gittens who also performed a beautiful recital on the evening of the hottest day of the year (everyone also enjoyed Saffron Community Link’s air conditioning!)

Alice in Wonderland...

On Wednesday we were visited by Alice from our forthcoming open air production of Alice in Wonderland for storytelling, fun and bubbles!

Plus lots more...

Other events during the week included a Dementia Friendly Afternoon, a songwriters circle, a creative networking event and a poetry Open Mic evening during which we heard an incredible variety of work from 10 wonderful local poets.

Quotes...

“The event was just a great experience to us and all at the hub were very welcoming, the artists were such fun and their music was very special and an occasion we will not forget.”

“It was fun, relaxed, encouraging…..Great that local creativity is encouraged in this way”

“It was good to hear others read their poems - which were talented and wide-ranging in scope. A very pleasant experience - thank you!”