Preview: Trailblazer – Delia Derbyshire @ The Sill Landscape Discovery Centre

On Thursday 23rd November it will be the 60th Anniversary of the first episode of Doctor Who being broadcast on TV. The theme music was created by musician Delia Derbyshire, who, working for BBC’s Radiophonic Workshop, is recognised as a pioneer in the development of electronic music in the twentieth century. On leaving the BBC, Delia moved to Gilsland, on the Northumberland Cumbria border where she initially worked as a french speaking Radio Operator before working alongside Chinese sculptor Li Yuan-chia at the LYC Museum at Banks.

To celebrate Doctor Who and Delia, Green Croft Arts are planning Trailblazer, a family friendly festival of electronic sound at The Sill Landscape Discovery Centre on Sat 25th & Sunday 26th November. The festival will feature screenings of and about Delia’s work, new sound and moving image commissions inspired by Delia’s archive, talks, book illustrations, Whovian Monsters, sound, art and craft workshops and stargazing events.

There will also be a number of new artistic sound commissions and visual arts from Kit Haigh, Kate Halsall, Victoria Macarte and Neil Cole.

Neil Cole, curator of the Museum of Classic Sci-Fi in Allendale, will also be leading an “In Conversation” event on Saturday afternoon from 4.00pm – 6.00pm with some of Doctor Who’s most well respected crew members – Director, Greame Harper and Margot Hayhoe who was assistant floor manager and production manager on a number of original Doctor Who episodes. There will also be a Meet and Greet opportunity for ticket holders earlier in the day.

The Stargazing Team at The Twice Brewed Inn are offering a range of family friendly stargazing activities benefiting from the minimal light pollution of the Dark Sky Park and you will be able to enjoy 360 degree immersive films bringing the universe to life in their purpose built planetarium.

Alongside this there will be a workshop programme, where you can learn from some of the region’s best artists and facilitators where you can try your hand at soldering and electronics to make your own synth or theremin.  There will be a pop Up choir to learn the Dr Who theme tune or imagine and the opportunity to draw your own sci-fi creatures. 

Tickets and more information can be found on the Green Croft Arts website.