Fife Local Heroes Celebrate our Year of Culture

Fife Council's Year of Culture was given the green light at a press launch held today, Friday 05 February, at Knockhill Racing Circuit. Some of Fife's current Local Heroes enjoyed performances by artists taking part in Celebrating Fife 2010. Local Heroes from the past were portrayed on banners as a backdrop, highlighting the reach and range of famous Fifers.



This ambitious year long programme of cultural events and activities is being co-ordinated by Fife Council and aims to raise Fife's profile and showcase the region's unique environment and cultural identity. A great place to live, work and visit, Celebrating Fife 2010 is for visitors and locals alike. It's about making the most of Fife's distinctive culture while enjoying its heritage and hospitality.

Launching the Celebrating Fife 2010 January - July Programme, Councillor Frances Melville, Provost of Fife, urged all Fifers to get involved: "This is a great opportunity for Fifers and the many visitors to the area to enjoy the wealth of artistic, creative and sporting talent and community enterprise that we have across the Kingdom and let us celebrate Fife 2010 in real style".

Leader of the Administration, Councillor Peter Grant, said: "Fife is host to a huge number and diversity of cultural events every year and it's right that we should recognize this. We have chosen 2010 to celebrate our culture and promote all that Fife has to offer. With a 2.1 million pound investment to support the delivery of 53 flagship events and substantial funding for community group activities, 2010 is all about creating opportunities to encourage additional visitors to the area and offering the chance for greater engagement".

Councillor Brian Goodall, Chair of the Housing and Communities Committee, said: "Fife Council has had a great deal of support for our year of culture which is designed to promote Fife's distinctive way of life. I hope that visitors will take away strong and new images of the Kingdom. The variety of performers, event organisers and Local Heroes assembled today is a great indication that there is something for everyone in the Celebrating Fife 2010 programme".

Local Heroes is a year long celebration of people with a strong Fife connection - individuals whose innovations, adventures and talents have made a difference in Fife and across the world.  A number of these heroes attended the launch today, including Knockhill's owner, Derek Butcher; British touring car champion racer, Gordon Shedden; Sheena Wellington, champion of Scottish traditional music; artist, Jim Douglas; and singer songwriter, King Creosote.

The Celebrating Fife 2010 January - July Programme is packed with things to do and see for people of all ages. The world premiere of new work by Jack Vettriano, Fife's Snowdrop and Starlight Spectacular, music and book festivals, community galas, special cultural explorers and drama festivals for children, sailing opportunities, and arts and crafts are just a few of the broad range of events everyone can enjoy and get involved in.

Available from local libraries, visitor and tourist attractions, a copy of the 2010 Programme can also be obtained by calling 01592 583 583 or emailing celebrating.2010@fife.gov.uk

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