Calling all composers!

Kent Arts are looking to commission an exciting musician/composer to create a 20 minute work celebrating Maidstone's part in the Cultural Olympiad next year.

With £5000 up for grabs, you don't want to miss out on this opportunity!

Maidstone is one of only two locations in Kent that will see the Olympic torch passing through it and the musical piece will premiere at the Olympic Torch event on 19th July at Leeds Castle.

'Maidstone' should be the theme and whilst the Olympics Games themselves need not influence this, the Olympic priorities should. The Arts development team are keen that the piece should be as eclectic as possible to appeal to as large an audience as possible.

Interested applicants should submit a CV, a recent piece of work both on CD/MP3 and scored and a short description of the kind of work they would like to produce for this project. Please bear in mind that this work should be accessible for a large number of performers.

The team will be shortlisting and interviewing in December 2011 and a final decision on the successful applicant will be made in January 2012.

For an informal discussion please call Mandy Hare on 01622 602178. For a full brief on this project please contact – mandyhare@maidstone.gov.uk

3BT: Rochester Castle

Rochester Castle, and the campaign to restore it, have a busy month planned!

First up, there's a Haunted Tour of the Castle on Wednesday, 26th October. Tickets are priced £7 and the event takes place between 4.15pm and 7pm (leaving you time to check out Late'n'Local in the high street till 8pm!) Only 20 spaces available though, you'll have to beat me to it!

The following evening, it's the Knight of the Living Dead, as Oliver's Wine Bar hands itself over to the Restore campaign for a Halloween party, fancy dress optional but let's make the effort - any excuse to dress up! Tickets for that are just £7.50 in advance, or £10 on the door (£8 if in costume) see more details here.

Finally, on Saturday morning 5th November, there's a sponsored walk in the grounds of the castle - if you would like to take part in the event itself, or help out in some other way, please do contact the group via email or Facebook.