We are delighted to be working with Historic England and the National Trust to launch a series of self-guided, immersive sound walks to help people discover the magic of their local high streets.
We are producing new Sound Walks for six High Street Heritage Action Zones across England during Heritage Open Days, from 10-19 September 2021.
Each sound walk will be a distinctive, immersive soundscape to take listeners on a journey of discovery. They will bring hidden histories and stories to life, helping people to see their high street in a new light. Listeners will take a self-guided route, supported by an illustrated map. The walks will encourage people to slow down, pause and reflect, and to experience their environment in a new way.
Sound artists will work with communities to collect stories so that each sound walk is informed by and represents authentic local voices and experiences. These works will connect listeners with the people, past and present, that have made their high street what it is today, transforming the everyday into something magical.
The six sound walks will be launched as part of Heritage Open Days and will be available online and in accessible formats.
Locations and Artists
Redruth
Annamaria Murphy, Sue Hill and Ciaran Clarke will explore layers of time to unlock the fascinating strata of sound, voice and story within the high street. Produced in association with Carn to Cove.
Reading
Aundre Goddard and Richard Bentley’s engaging sound walk combines music, audio drama and outdoor museum spaces. Produced in association with CultureMix, Readipop and Reading Borough Council.
Great Yarmouth
Great Yarmouth is a place of contrast and diversity, and nowhere is this more apparent than on its high street. Oliver Payne’s sound walk aims to capture the charm of this enigmatic place. Produced in association with originalprojects and Norfolk & Norwich Festival.
Grantham
Sandra Kazlauskaite will incorporate a collage of aural histories, archives and local residents’ memories to tell a story about the histories of the high street. Produced in association with Emilie Nunn and South Kesteven District Council.
Barrow
Dan Fox will embrace the diversity of people in Barrow. Listeners will explore the landmarks of work and play on the high street including iconic shops, businesses and the clubs of Cornwallis Street, alongside civic events like cycle races, and the centenary of the town hall. Produced in association with Full of Noises.
Hull
Jez riley French’s sound walk explores the complex social, caultural and physical history of the street, combined with it's fascinating but often hidden, overlooked or usually inaudible sounds. Produced in association with Absolutely Cultured.
We will share more details on each Sound Walk, the composers and the partners involved over the coming months.
For more details, visit: www.HistoricEngland.org.uk/SoundWalks
High Street Sound Walks is a commission by Historic England, National Trust and Heritage Open Days with support from the players of People’s Postcode Lottery and produced by Sound UK. It is part of the High Streets Heritage Action Zones Cultural Programme, led by Historic England.
