Posters will soon be hitting the streets of Holbeach promoting an event that is hoped will put the town on the map for arts and boost local business.
There are less than three weeks to go before Transported rolls up to give residents and visitors a taste of what is to come.
Aerial dancers suspended on wires, a junk orchestra, street entertainers, a community parade, interactive artworks, musicians, and something extremely large and very colourful – a luminarium – will pop up in Carter’s Park for the launch on Sunday, May 5, from 2pm to 4pm.
Dave Hudson, chairman of Holbeach Business Forum, said the event is something no-one should miss.
He said: “This is going to be huge for the town and local businesses. We’ve got to promote positivity for the sake of Holbeach.”
There has been some concern that publicity for the event is rather last minute, taking into account the scale of the £2.5 million project that will visit communities in South Holland and Boston over the next two-and-a-half-years.
Following a period of community consultation, delivery of a specially devised arts programme is expected from September.
Holbeach Parish Council was disappointed not to have an update at its meeting on Monday. However, representatives of Transported attended Holbeach Business Forum meeting on Tuesday to outline what they could expect to see.
Coun Nick Worth, deputy leader of South Holland District Council and Holbeach county councillor, thinks it could be the biggest thing since the Olympic Torch visited last year.
He said: “Nine months ago the people of Holbeach and surrounding villages turned out in their thousands to have a once in a lifetime opportunity to see the Olympic Torch pass through the town centre.
“Ever since I have been trying to find a legacy of that event, which can attract a large number of people into Holbeach, although 10,000 might be a bit ambitious.
“The major difference is this is not just for watching, but gives a chance to participate as well.”