Story Search podcast: a celebration of arts and culture in Central Bedfordshire
Friday, 15 March 2024
A captivating new podcast series celebrating the rich arts and cultural heritage of Central Bedfordshire has just gone live.
Story Search will unearth and share compelling stories from the heart of local communities, delving into the lives of different people to build a deeper connection to the vibrant history of the area and shine a light on our libraries, local cultural assets and local arts and cultural organisations in Central Bedfordshire.
The series is launched as we begin preparing a new draft arts and culture strategy that will shape the future of investment in Central Bedfordshire over the next 5 years. With a consultation set to begin for later this spring, the views of residents, community groups and other organisations will be vital in ensuring local people have a chance to shape the future of arts and culture in the area.
The podcast will consist of 6 episodes, each shining a spotlight on a different area within Central Bedfordshire: Dunstable, Ampthill, Toddington, Leighton Buzzard, Sandy, and Biggleswade. At approximately 40 minutes in length, each episode promises to be an immersive exploration into the cultural heart of Central Bedfordshire.
Setting the tone for each episode is original music composed and produced by local talent, James Junior, adding a distinct and evocative soundtrack to the storytelling experience.
Hosted and produced by Cassandra Philip and Kayte Judge from our Culture and Engagement team, the inaugural episode of Story Search, delves into the legendary California Ballroom in Dunstable. Once hailed as the pinnacle of entertainment, The California Ballroom played host to some of the world's most renowned musicians, such as The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, Pink Floyd, and The Clash, making it a cultural cornerstone of its time.
As Story Search embarks on its journey to uncover the hidden gems of Central Bedfordshire, listeners can anticipate a captivating blend of nostalgia, discovery, and community spirit with each episode.
Councillor Mary Walsh, our Executive Member responsible for Libraries and Culture, said:
Investing in arts, culture and our local heritage is so important. Economic growth, a sense of civic pride, health and wellbeing, and ‘social mobility’ – the opportunity for people to grow and reach their full potential – can all be linked to it. As we prepare to consult on a new arts and culture strategy for Central Bedfordshire, Story Search invites listeners to take a trip through our cultural history. With each episode, passionate and incredibly knowledgeable people will bring to life the stories and memories that shaped our communities, giving us a greater insight and appreciation for our shared heritage and the vibrant arts scene that makes Central Bedfordshire unique.
Cassandra Philip, Culture and Engagement Officer and producer of the podcast, added:
I love uncovering local history. To be able to unlock real people’s stories and experiences of music, theatre, writing and beyond right here, in our fabulous Central Bedfordshire region, has been an honour, a challenge and a fascinating journey. It’s been led by the people we spoke to and the books in our libraries! I can’t wait for the community to enjoy it.
For more information about the podcasts and to stay updated on the latest releases, follow our libraries on Facebook or listen online.