NCC1321 Animating Ashington · UK public procurement notice

Northumberland County Council is the lead partner for the Ashington Regeneration

Programme, with funding provided by a number of different sources. As part of this

Regeneration Programme, the Council seek to appoint an exceptional cultural and creative

professional team to design and deliver a distinct series of cultural events and activities that

engage local people and businesses, attract visitors and complement the Ashington

Investment Plan objectives. Community engagement will be at the heart of the Animating

Ashington project with a focus on children and young people.

Specifically, the project will:

• Appoint a cultural and creative professional team or company to develop and deliver a

distinct programme of intergenerational cultural inspired performance events and responses

that activate, animate and mobilise the town centre, with an overall programme theme based

on colour, animation and the high street.

• Increase activity to the town’s current offer including activation of existing and proposed

new sites to demonstrate potential through a programme of events concentrated

throughout the year. Expanded activities could include festivals, makers, craft and lifestyle

markets, projections, lighting events and engaging performances that give residents new

reasons to visit the town centre and add to the appeal of Ashington as a destination for rail

users from summer 2024.

• Increase the understanding of the town’s culture and consider contemporary responses to

support a future focused approach and vision to reimagine the purpose and function of the

town.

• Encourage business collaboration particularly with those trading in the town centre to

foster a culture of working together to present the diversity of offer and ability of the town

centre to promote Ashington as a destination.

• Increase civic pride, encourage public participation and create a legacy and local ownership

of annual events via partnership working and an asset-based approach.

• Support audience development, establish and nurture connections to residents, schools

and local businesses.