Interactive digital park festival premieres in Nottinghamshire to support vulnerable arts organisations and connect through culture.

This June, some of Nottinghamshire’s finest cultural organisations have a treat in store for the whole family as they premiere a new virtual festival in an interactive digital park.  

‘UPLOAD Virtual Festival’ is a benefit festival with some truly exciting partners including Inspire - Culture, Learning and Libraries, Nottingham Playhouse, Nordoff Robbins (Music Therapy), Nottingham Trent University, University of Nottingham Students’ Union, Nottinghamshire Music Hub, MLC Academy, and Community Recording Studio.  

The festival will take place on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 June at STREAM PARK online - Nottingham’s first interactive digital park which features three stages: The Robin Hood Stage, The River Trent Stage and The Cave. There will be a wide range of culture for all the family to enjoy including music, theatre, dance, comedy, visual-art, poetry and much more! Alongside this entertainment are other activities such as a funfair, gallery and information point.

Cultural organisations are vulnerable like never before and their future is uncertain. The arts play a huge role in our community by bringing us together and once again these organisations are connecting us.

Inspire Youth Arts Manager, Andy Dawson said: 'Inspire has risen to the challenge of the lockdown by creating an extensive website virtual offer, #InspireOnline with all the services being incredibly creative in transferring content online. These range from eBooks, creative resources, learning, group workshops, performances, virtual exhibitions and much more. As we prepare for some limited re-opening we continue to innovate within the arts and look to develop new ways of delivering in the digital realm'.

Sandy Trappitt, Head of Partnerships at Nordoff Robbins said: ‘We’re so excited to have been chosen as a charity partner for UPLOAD virtual festival. As a music therapy charity, we understand the connectivity that music brings is more important than ever. However, like many other charities, we’re being severely impacted by the current Coronavirus outbreak. Not only will the donations that come through UPLOAD festival help us to continue to work with people affected by life-limiting illness, isolation or disability through music therapy across the UK - it will also help safeguard our future as a charity.’

The festival hopes that whilst raising some funds for the arts and education community it will also bring awareness of the challenges and achievements currently facing it; give renowned artists, students and the community performance opportunities; and build an online community.

Inspire Culture, Learning and Libraries Chief Executive Officer Peter Gaw said: ‘The festival has been set up to support  Nottinghamshire’s cultural partners and artists so that they can share and inspire you. It is a great opportunity for the whole of Nottinghamshire to connect in culture. Do take advantage of this immersive and unique opportunity on the 27 and 28 June.’ 

For further details and announcements follow @upstreampark on all social media and visit www.upload-festival.co.uk  to find out on how to play your part in creating an immersive festival experience to remember and to book your free ticket!

Look out for a host of recognisable faces in the following weeks announcing exciting elements of the festival!