Entertainment on epic scale launched to lure tourists to coast - here's what it will include

Yorkshire Coast Business Improvement District has teamed up with Scarborough-based performance specialists Animated Objects to create The Odyssey: An Epic Adventure on the Yorkshire Coast inspired by Homer’s classic tale of the Trojan wars.

It will see a host of events staged along the Yorkshire Coast over the next three years inspired by the classic tale, all focused on engaging the local community in creative performance and attracting visitors to boost tourism.

The interactive project will be run by Animated Objects Theatre Company which specialise in live artistic events and will see the programme cover 100 miles of coastline and surrounding areas from Spurn Point to Staithes. The creative team will direct, produce and create the Odyssey story of events featuring large scale celebrations, visuals, dramatic performances and live music.

The project, set to launch in November, will start with a series of interactive events in the six main resort towns and villages throughout the coast titled Lighting up the Coast, which will provide residents and visitors the opportunity to gather safely, reflect and celebrate what they value about their communities.

Lighting up the Coast will feature immersive walk-through illuminations in a number of towns; launching the programme of 50 live events which will follow in different settings across the Yorkshire Coast.

Spectators can expect illuminations, short films, animation, new music, sculpture, dance, giant puppetry, lanterns, parades, digital artworks and a whole lot more, as part of the story being told over three years by members of the Yorkshire Coast community.

Lee Threadgold, of Animated Objects Theatre Company, said: “We’re delighted to be working with the Yorkshire Business Improvement District on what is going to be an exciting project spanning three years, showcasing the wonderful talents and beautiful scenery of the Yorkshire Coast and its people.

"We’ve always put communities at the heart of our creative work, and the prospect of bringing people of different ages and backgrounds from across this incredible region together to tell a story of this scale is something we are really passionate about.

“There are lots of different opportunities for people to get really involved in the making of 'The Odyssey'; as makers, performers, storytellers, and to celebrate the creativity of our local communities. We can’t wait for the adventure to begin!”

Chairman of Business Improvement District Clive Rowe-Evans said: “We are delighted to be working with Animated Objects to promote the Yorkshire Coast in a different and creative way. The showstopping events will create a real media focus for the Yorkshire Coast and aim to attract more visitors to the area and increase overnight stays throughout the year.

"The Odyssey project along with our other flagship initiatives including the Coastal Routes and the coastal sculpture collection all designed to show tourists exactly what the Yorkshire Coast has to offer.

The Odyssey story series will provide standout events that attract visitors from far and wide to the area, and the showcase community led performances planned certainly have the making of an epic adventure that people will engage with and love.”