PRESS RELEASE
Fueling fires at
ignite2001 festival
Benjamin Zephaniah
A unique festival celebrating young people in society will be held at The Edge in Auckland from 5 - 12 June. ignite2001
promises an extraordinary opportunity to develop young people’s creative potential. The festival offers an innovative
programme of activity lead by some of the best creative talent from the UK and New Zealand.
UK visitors including rastafarian performance poet Benjamin Zephaniah, Andrew Wade, Head of Voice at the Royal
Shakespeare Company, dance choreographer Mark Baldwin and leading UK bio-chemist Ian Swingland will share their
expertise in workshops, debates, performances and seminars. A varied programme of arts, science, conflict resolution and
enterprise promises something for everyone. Most events are free ensuring easy accessibility to a wide group of young
people from around the region.
ignite2001 is a collaboration between the British Council, who promote contemporary British culture, and The Edge
Community Arts Programme. “ignite2001 provides a powerful environment of creativity and growth for young people. We are
delighted to work in partnership with The Edge to produce a genuinely interactive festival. Come along and be inspired,’
says British Council New Zealand Director Paul Atkins.
Sally Markham, Community Arts Development Manager at The Edge shares this enthusiasm. “ignite2001 is an important
initiative. It is a unique festival for young people offering new collaborative and creative approaches to a diverse
range of disciplines. It is an opportunity not to be missed.’
For a comprehensive insight into ignite2001, its key players and programme, visit www.ignite2001.org.nz, email
inquire@ignite2001.org.nz, or call 09 373 4393.
Notes for Editors:
The British Council is the UK’s main cultural agency overseas
The Edge - is Auckland’s centre for conventions, arts and entertainment.
To arrange interviews, source up-to-date supporting photography or for any media enquiries please e-mail
james.niven@britishcouncil.org.nz or call 09 373 4478
15 May 2001