WATCH: Local Hero Festival preparations continue with rock legend Mark Knopfler giving permission to use soundtrack
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Rock legend Mark Knopfler is giving residents of Banff exclusive permission to perform his music at the Local Hero Festival as preparations continue for the event.
Local Hero was said to have put Scotland on the cinematic map.
Residents of Banff – where some of the movie was filmed – are planning a three-week festival to honour its 40th birthday; with the event set to bring superfans together.
Knopfler wrote the music for both the film and the musical. The musical has won critical acclaim with its productions to date, at the Edinburgh Royal Lyceum Theatre and last year at the Chichester Festival Theatre.
It was due to transfer to the West End, but the pandemic meant this was postponed.
Local Hero Festival director Andrew Mellon said: “I drove 1400 miles from Banff last year to see the Chichester Festival production of Local Hero.
"I’d call myself an avid theatre goer, and I truly believe this is one of the best musicals I’ve ever seen; it was enchanting and totally immersive, thanks to the incredible staging and music.
"I’m delighted that Knopfler has given us permission to use his music in our own Local Hero production.
“I’m excited that we’ve created The Local Hero Theatre Company, and I’m just thrilled that Local Hero is coming home for its 40th.”
Festival planners have produced a new company to perform at the festival : ‘The Local Hero Theatre Company’.
Ahlyssa Mundy (28) a classically trained singer, actress and dancer – will be headlining this and playing Stella from the movie.
The performance will be a special 40th anniversary concert series featuring a collection of songs from the musical as well the Knopfler film soundtrack and his anthem Going Home.
A preview video of Mundy performing can be viewed below:
Festival planners have already announced the launch of a special Local Hero Brew as well as a Great British Rabbit Pie Bake Off as part of the celebrations.
Meanwhile, the festival has acquired the use of the Old M&Co premises at 34 High Street in Banff for use throughout the event.
Artists have the opportunity to exhibit their work. For more information on taking part email Kay@localherofestival.com
Local Hero Festival runs from the Saturday, May 6 until Saturday, May 27.
Visit the festival website for more on the event.
