North Light: A Play Installation by Stephanie Jefferies and Sarah Marsh + Herbert Parkinson, a John Lewis Textile Factory (Sensory Friendly Session)

North Light Sensory Sessions:

• Saturday 8th July from 10-11am
• Sunday 9th July from 10-11am
• Saturday 15th July from 12-1pm

The Herbert Parkinson factory has been making soft furnishings for John Lewis for 70 years; artists and specialists in play spaces Stephanie Jefferies and Sarah Marsh have gathered sensory memories of sound, touch and smell that are being woven into a woven into a playful installation for families to explore together in the stunning surroundings of the Blackburn Cathedral Crypt. Children and their families will be invited to follow the flow of the factory floor, searching for the ever present heartbeat of the looms, slowing down to interact with touchable objects, wearable pieces and soft sculpture.

North Light has been conceived by artists with expertise in designing spaces for families with additional needs, including, Quiet Mornings at Whitworth Art Gallery, run monthly by Sarah Marsh.

This booking is for the Sensory Friendly sessions of North Light only. This will be a one hour session on Saturday and Sunday morning from 10 – 11am. Booking is advised but families are welcome to turn up on the day.

The sensory friendly sessions have been designed for families with additional needs who may prefer a quieter, calmer environment.

The installation is also open from 11am – 5pm for general audience admission and and is always FREE to visit.

There will also be a third sensory session on Saturday 15th July from 12-1pm.

During the Sensory Friendly session you can expect:

• Lower volume sound
• Reduced queuing – you can turn up at any point between 10 – 11am and we will do our very best to let you straight in. You are welcome to stay in as long as you would like however at 11am the capacity will increase inside as the installation opens to the general public. Please take this into consideration when deciding your arrival time within the half hour time slot.
• Ear defenders will be provided for anyone who wishes to use them.

If you would like any more information about the installation, please contact info@festivalofmaking.co.uk and we will be happy to answer any questions you may have.