Mr Wilson’s is an outdoor arts company that specialises in presenting performances and live music in public spaces. They are known for Mr Wilson’s Second Liners a New Orleans’ inspired brass band that performs high energy dance classics.

Their latest project, Opal’s Comet will be taking place along the Rochdale Canal and Calder and Hebble Navigation as part of CultureDale, Calderdale’s Year of Culture 2024 this May.

Mr Wilson’s is looking for people to participate in the production of Opal’s Comet. Opal’s Comet is a vivid, animated performance that takes place on a boat. The boat, which also acts as a stage, will be navigating the heritage waterways over six days from Wednesday May 22 to Monday May 27th and each voyage is soundtracked by a live band called The Greyhounds.

The Greyhounds will be performing newly composed songs that explore the seasons of grief. The performances are inspired by the traditions of pilgrimage, folk music and storytelling.

Mr Wilson’s is looking for people from the community to get involved and to become custodians of the production.

Sonya Moorhead, Artistic Director of Mr Wilson’s, says: “We are really delighted to be one of the key commissions for CultureDale, Calderdale’s Year of Culture.

“We have a special opportunity for people to get involved and be part of this creative pilgrimage. We’d like to meet community groups, choirs, schools, organisations and individuals who are interested in the project and would like to know more.

“It may be that you then learn the songs and sing along with us, or you may just enjoy listening to them or sharing them with your friends. Or maybe knowing more about it will be a helpful way to approach conversations about grief in a new way.

“Our hope is that Opal’s Comet brings people together to acknowledge what has been lost in recent years, but also to celebrate all that remains.”

Mr Wilson’s will be providing a digital pack of resources including sheet music, lyrics, maps of the journey and what to expect videos which will include British Sign Language interpretation.

Bobsie Robinson, Calderdale Council’s Cultural Service Manager, says: “Mr Wilson’s is one of the local creative organisations that we have commissioned to deliver big events as part of the Year of Culture Opal’s Comet is a great way of involving the whole of Calderdale and encouraging people from all areas to connect as the production makes its journey from one end of the valley to the other.

“CultureDale is a way of celebrating the talent and creativity we have here on our doorstep and how it can unite us, make us feel better and enrich our lives.”

The Year of Culture 2024 (www.culturedale.co.uk) is a celebration of culture in the borough of Calderdale, marking its 50^th anniversary. It will get off to a spectacular start on Saturday 13 April, with 26 free events, activities and performances providing hours of entertainment in Halifax. See the full programme at www.culturedale.co.uk/opening-celebration

To get involved in Opal’s Comet email sally@mrwilsons.org.uk by April 4th.

Find out more here https://www.mrwilsons.org.uk/community

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