Urban Arts

Date of Event: 22/03/2008 - 30/03/2008

Over 50,000 people flocked to Almondvale Shopping Centre in Livingston last weekend to watch professional skateboarders, BMX riders and an inline skater take flight when it hosted a temporary indoor skate ramp as part of Urban Arts Week.

The week-long calendar of events which included a number of fun workshops in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care, came to a dramatic close with a weekend of skate performances on the ramp that was specially built within the mall.

A number of professionals from Unit 23 – one of Scotland’s most successful skatepark companies – showed off their skills along with local skaters and the UK number one inline skater Chaz Sands, from Glasgow. Both children and adults stopped in their tracks to watch the showcase which included jaw dropping stunts, spins and 360° turns.

Among the crowds was Livingston’s very own father of skateboarding Kenny Ormond, who provided Livingston with its first skatepark. Livingston’s skatepark continues to be the UK’s oldest and biggest skatepark.

Jennifer Bruce, marketing manager at Almondvale Shopping Centre, said: “Our Urban Arts Week definitely had the ‘wow’ factor. Shoppers were amazed when they witnessed the performances of the riders and it was great to see so many people turn out in their droves for the event.

“Livingston has a passionate history with skating. We knew the community would appreciate a superb skating event.”

Shoppers were also treated to energetic hip-hop performances by local dance school Danz Craze. Local kids of all ages performed a variety of routines for friends, family and shoppers.

Chick Mailey, founder of Unit 23, said: “This is the first time we have assembled a ramp and performed within a shopping centre. It was a great experience, and I’m confident both the public and skaters enjoyed the event.”

Throughout the week, children took part in over 80 workshops including art canvases, DJing and hip-hop dancing in association with Impact Arts. Livingston shoppers gave generously to Marie Curie Cancer Care, the charity which provides high quality nursing to patients with terminal cancer and other illnesses.

Plus, lucky Leann Shields from Whitburn, West Lothian received 95 chocolate eggs and £100 worth of gift vouchers, after correctly guessing how many eggs were in the giant bowl as part of the Easter Weekend event.

Look out for more fun events planned in Livingston over the coming months. For more information log onto www.shoplivingston.co.uk

-ENDS-