A FREE arts festival will be taking place across different venues next month thanks to The Heart of Glass.

From Friday, October 28 to Sunday, November 13, Take Over promises a playful arts programme taking place in unexpected spaces and venues across St Helens and - for the first time - Knowsley (Liverpool City Region’s current Borough of Culture).

Hosted by Manchester-based live artist Lowri Evans, the festival is inspired by the autumnal season of Harvest, Halloween and Bonfire Night, and explores hospitality, ritual and gatherings.

St Helens Star: Take Over FestivalTake Over Festival (Image: Take Over Festival)

Artists and communities will offer up a series of shared experiences, installations and events, including:

  • The world’s “first ever cosmic games show” - Astrology Bingo from Figs in Wigs
  • A participatory journey through the magical properties of sourdough - MUSH by Unfinished Business
  • A chance to check in any unhelpful 'emotional' baggage at artist Jenny Gaskell's The Cloakroom
  • Poetry workshops at St Helens’ favourite community bookshop The Book Stop, with Writer in Residence Ella Otomewo
  • Part protest, part sculpture, part ceremony, Sonia Hughes’ I Am From Reykjavik project, explores race, migration and belonging

St Helens Star: Take Over FestivalTake Over Festival (Image: The Point, Eastleigh)

Plus a chance to experience new theatre/live art:

• Ten Commandments from the inimitable and award-winning David Hoyle, in partnership with Homotopia

• Family favourites Eggs Collective return with a new family-friendly show, in partnership with Wonder Arts

• TOUCHY + ANTHOLOGY - a unique mash-up of theatre and hip hop from 20StoriesHigh

• Made of Stars - an immersive audio-visual experience inside a 40 foot pyramid, created by Turntable Theatre in collaboration with artist migrants and refugees living in Liverpool Events are free but booking is required.

Patrick Fox, Chief Executive, Heart of Glass, said: ““We’re thrilled to bring back Take Over our free arts festival across St Helens and - this year Knowsley - too, after our covid hiatus.

“Creative People and Places programme is about bringing artists and communities together to create and experience amazing art.

“Lowri and the team have assembled an incredibly exciting list of events, workshops and participatory experiences to feed our hearts and souls this autumn.”

St Helens Star: Take Over FestivalTake Over Festival (Image: Take Over Festival)

Festival host and artist Lowri Evans added: “”It’s lovely to be back in St Helens and Knowsley at this magical time of year.

“I’m excited to share with you a bunch of exciting artists, events and gatherings, so if you’re willing to brave the cold and step out, join us as we cast spells, embrace temptation, try new things, gather round!”

Visit heartofglass.org.uk/take-over-2022 for more information including access and transport information and free ticket booking.