Musician Erland Cooper has composed a very special piece of music for LOVE OF LIFE, rooted in the joy of slowing down and taking time to notice what’s around us.

This is the official launch of this new piece of work and of the multi-layered project as a whole at Fringe by the Sea.

Sula bassana, composed by Erland Cooper and recorded by the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, and the accompanying film by Lewis Gourlay will be presented for the first time.

Host Vic Galloway will be joined by Erland Cooper, Naomi Mcintosh and Lewis Gourlay to discuss their new work for the project.

Orkney-born Erland is an Emmy-nominated composer, producer and multi-instrumentalist who as a solo artist, has released five critically acclaimed studio albums, including a trilogy of work inspired by his childhood home, as well as themes of nature, people, place and time. His work often combines field recordings with traditional orchestration and contemporary electronic elements.

Feel more, feel good and feel your way forwards with some of Scotland’s most innovative creatives, through LOVE OF LIFE. Original takes on ‘biophilia’ – our innate desire to connect to nature – are open for exploration at this year’s festival. We invite you to delve in, and deepen your connection for our shared future.

Supported by The Scottish Government’s Expanded Festivals Fund through Creative Scotland.

The Flock parade will culminate at the Big Top for the LOVE OF LIFE Launch. If you would like to be part of the parade (which includes a ticket to the Launch) please see The Flock event listing for options. If you prefer to attend the Launch event in the Big Top only, select a ‘Love of Life Launch Ticket’.

The Big Top venue is wheelchair accessible.

If you require further information on accessibility please visit our Accessibility Guide  or contact info@fringebythesea.com.

All ages are welcome. Under 16s must be accompanied by an over 18.

Come and join The Flock! To celebrate the launch of LOVE OF LIFE at Fringe by the Sea, we’re inviting you to be part of a special community parade on the 31st July. A flock of handmade gannets will weave from the Harbourside in North Berwick through the town to the festival site in the Lodge Grounds, led by a stunning giant bird puppet. This is a chance to make your own puppet to carry in the parade, under the expert guidance of puppeteers Vision Mechanics, who brought the incredible 10-metre STORM to us in 2021.

We’d love your help in making this a truly eye-catching spectacle, highlighting the incredible nature all around us and the plight of seabirds. The Northern Gannets who make Bass Rock their home are, like many seabirds, facing significant threats.

• You can choose to simply walk in the parade by selecting ‘Parade Only’ ticket.
• Under 16s must be accompanied by an over 18 during the parade.
• If you would like to make your own puppet and walk in the parade select ‘Puppet & Parade’ Ticket.
• We ask that each puppet maker commits to coming along to two workshops in North Berwick, to make and finish their puppet, and to being part of the parade on the afternoon of 31st July (approx. 60 minutes).
• Puppet making workshops will take place in daily sessions between 27th – 30th July in North Berwick, at the Baptist Church Hall, 1 Victoria Road. You can come along to any of the sessions which will run 10am-1pm & 2pm-4pm on each of the dates. You will receive further information by email after you sign up/secure a ticket.
• All ages are welcome however Under 12s must be accompanied by an adult who can help with the making.
• This event is accessible for wheelchairs.
• The parade takes place on a road surface, some uneven terrain, a slope and some grass surface.
• Please contact us at info@fringebythesea.com with any questions.
• In the event of poor weather, there may be changes to the parade timings.
• If conditions are severe, we may need to cancel the parade. We will update all participants at least 24-hours in advance.
• Ticket includes entrance to the Love of Life Launch event in the Big Top where the parade finishes.

   

A specially curated exhibition on LOVE OF LIFE and its connection to the wildlife on our coastline. Featuring a closer look at the new work by Erland Cooper and an exhibition of images taken as part of the ‘making of’ his composition. Find out more at www.seabird.org