Saffron Walden is unique in the UK in having two historic mazes, the ancient turf labyrinth on the Common and the Victorian hedge maze in Bridge End Gardens. A third maze, the work 'Sun Maze' by the sculptor Michael Ayrton, is in the Fry Art Gallery.
To celebrate our special heritage, the Saffron Walden Initiative is organising a Maze Festival between 20 and 28 August 2011.
The festival will include films, display mazes, theatre, talks, music, exhibitions and much more. Ideas to date include a candlelit maze, a giant knitted maze, straw bale maze, mirror maze, blindfold maze, scrap maze, planted mazes, contemplative labyrinth, maze games, maze jewellery, maze treasure hunt and front garden mazes.
There are opportunities for individuals, organisations and businesses to be part of this unique and special event. The Saffron Walden Initiative will provide central co-ordination and publicity; the rest is limited only by our imaginations and enthusiasm.
If you or your organisation would like to be part of the festival, please contact Barbara Wilcox at barbarawilcox@ntlworld.com
ADVANCE BOOKING
These are the festival events which can be booked now.
Mazes & Mandalas Workshop, Saturday 27th August
Come on a journey of self-discovery and explore the archetypal symbolism of the maze; from ancient myth and meditative practice to modern Jungian psychology. This is an experiential workshop adapted from a Cambridge Jungian Circle event and will be facilitated by psychotherapists Prudence Jones & Gill Brown.
Venue: The Prospect Room, behind the Methodist Church, Castle Street. Time: 12:30 - 5:00pm. Cost: £25. Advance booking only. Numbers limited.
Contact: Gill on 07908 385948 or email GMBtherapy@gmail.com.
Joglaresa - Love's Labyrinth: French Medieval Song C12th - C14th, Saturday 20th August
"Like the unicorn, I am lost in wonder" So wrote one of the most celebrated poets/composers - Thibaut de Champagne. Thibaut uses the classic imagery of a unicorn to represent the poet. Unicorns are classically only powerless or tameable in the presence of a maiden, and here the maiden - cruel and unattainable - twistingly leads the poet not out of the maze, but to the prison of love. Joglaresa, explores the twists and turns of love's mazes. They also include the anonymous C14th song celebrating the work of the arch labyrinth maker himself - Daedalus - in 'En la maison Dedalus'.
Venue St. Mary's Church, Saffron Walden Time: 8.00pm. Cost: £12 in advance, £15 at door, £10 concessions (under 18, 60+, unwaged) available from Saffron Walden Tourist Information Centre or via www.saffronwaldenearlymusic.org.uk
Pan's Labyrinth (15), Monday 22nd August
A visually inventive fantasy which juxtaposes fairytale and realism. Set in 1940's Spain, this film tells the story of a young girl who finds respite from her fiercely Franco-ite stepfather in a secret labyrinth.
Venue: Saffron Screen. Time: 8 pm. Cost £6.20, adult concessions £5.20,18 & under £4.60 From the cinema box office - opens 30 minutes before each screening, from the Tourist Information Centre, Market Place, Saffron Walden (cash or cheques only), or via www.saffronscreen.com
The Full Monteverdi (12a) Tuesday 23 August
This internationally acclaimed film follows the paths of six couples as their relationships fragment and unravel, taking us on an emotional journey through the labyrinth of contemporary love. Followed by a Q and A with director John La Bouchardiere.
Venue: Saffron Screen. Time: 8 pm. Cost £6.20, adult concessions £5.20,18 & under £4.60 From the cinema box office - opens 30 minutes before each screening, from the Tourist Information Centre, Market Place, Saffron Walden (cash or cheques only), or via www.saffronscreen.com
Saffron Walden's ancient turf labyrinth on the Common