WHALEY BRIDGE’S famous Water Weekend (W3), which starts this Friday, has sent a challenge to local photographers: bring your cameras down to the event and then enter our exciting new photographic competition.
The contest, organised by local businessman and art photographer Tony Whittle, will be launched over the weekend with an exhibition of some of Tony’s award winning pictures in the Mechanics’ Institute.
Tony tells budding photographers, especially youngsters: “Use your eyes. We live in a beautiful place – be inspired by that. There are wonderful pictures everywhere.”
Tony Whittle and pictures: organising photo contest
Endless photo opportunities are available at the Water Weekend, starting with the first event, an accoustic fest onstage at the Canal Basin from 6pm on Friday night. Organiser Linda Simpson – former member of Magna Carta – is promising an evening to remember: “Bring a picnic and a picnic chair – and, just in case, wellies and a brolly!”
All day Saturday and Sunday, free boat trips and bustle around the canal – including the return of those photogenic meerkats – will give photographers more pictures. Take a trip along the canal, through the ‘green tunnel’ of trees, to get atmospheric shots, Or watch the Powderkegs, Whaley’s own border morris dance group, open the Saturday session.
Whaley Band in ‘oompah’ mode on Saturday and conventional brass band uniforms on Sunday are further targets for the lens, as are Nightyear, a boy rock band from Chapel., playing on Saturday night Displays of canoeing by Peak Paddlers, BMX bikes by local teenagers could make yet more pictures.
Music by Acoustic Collective, High Peak Jazz Orchestra and Whaley Choir are Sunday highlights – and the glittering array if classic cars, by Hare and Hounds Classic Vehicles Association is sure to provide good camera shots. Or how about someone sinking their teeth into a Whaleyburger, the locally sourced beef, on sale over the weekend?
Punch and Judy, the children’s favourite, a paid for funfair, and endless stalls are further ideas for that perfect shot that could win a prize. Rules will be obtainable at the photo display in the Mechanics’ Institute.
Beryl Axcell, winner of Community Award, will be face painting at W3