Beam is currently working as Public Art Manager on behalf of Derbyshire County Council for the Markham Vale regeneration site in Derbyshire. As part of the programme Beam commissioned artist collective ExternalGalleries to explore the area’s rich mining heritage. On 21 and 22 October several months of engagement activity will culminate in spectacular light shows, illuminating two historic buildings, to bring Derbyshire’s mining heritage to life.

Over 1,000 people living close to the flagship regeneration project at Markham Vale have taken part in the project to record the site’s former use as a colliery. Thousands of photographs have been collected during community events in Bolsover, Duckmanton, Staveley and Arkwright and visits to seven local schools by professional artists. Voice recordings of people’s memories of the area in times gone by have also been made and the images and audio will be combined in two spectacular events called ‘The Gathering’.

These events will be staged at Staveley Hall and Bolsover Castle − with giant images projected onto the sides of the buildings.

The Gathering events will take place at:

Staveley Town Hall − Friday 21 October

Bolsover Castle − Saturday 22 October

Both events will run from 6.30pm to 8pm and are free to enter. Gates open from 5.30pm.

For further information about the project and events visit: www.gatheringpoint.co.uk