Cumnock’s ‘Market of Optimism’ event has been hailed as a great success,  despite wet weather.  “I’ve never seen so many people laughing and smiling in the rain”, Councillor Kathy Morrice commented as she visited the market, held in the Town Centre.

Kathryn Howell, Town Centre Manager, was thrilled with the response. She said: “We were very lucky to be able to book this spectacle, which was being performed by the actors of Mischief La Bas for the last time after touring to Festivals including those in Liverpool and Edinburgh. Despite the downpour hundreds of people turned out and had a great day.

“I’ve had some fantastic emails from people who said they still haven’t stopped laughing. The actors were brilliant, adapting their style for young and old and keeping the children wide-eyed with wonder.”

Councillor Kathy Morrice added: “The enthusiasm of the crowds is proof of the strength of our local community. It is heartening to see people turn out on a pouring wet day to support our ongoing programme of events.”

“We are really pleased that the Market of Optimism will be in Cumnock on Saturday 2^nd October – the market will finish off the celebrations for the 500^th Anniversary of the town becoming a Royal Burgh and start the next 500 years on an optimistic note! The market will be in the square which is right in the heart of the town and the ideal place to have an event like this. We hope that everyone who comes along on 2^nd October enjoys themselves and goes away uplifted and positive.”

Find out more about the Market of Optimism in Cumnock…

“I just wanted to say – what a fabulous idea the market of optimism is – inspired. My son and I participated in your performance today in Kirkcaldy and we were so impressed ..we looked you up on the web! Great experience and all the best for spreading happiness and optimism !! “

“I can’t remember when I thought Scottish Arts Funding was better spent. It was the best street theatre I have ever enjoyed. Well done and keep it up.”

The next market is taking place in St Andrews on Saturday 31st July 2010.   Be there to get your piece of the optimism!

Sunil Varu, Kirkcaldy BID Manager is eagerly anticipating the event on Saturday 17th July:

We are very excited about the Market of Optimism coming to Kirkcaldy at this time because we definitely need a huge sprinkling of it. The Market has bene well received in other towns and will undoubtedly be a success with the people of Kirkcaldy and Fife as well a tourists. I am also hoping the non-golfers will be attracted to the Market as a welcom diversion. The Market fits in really well with the fun factor we want to introduce in Kirkcaldy Town Centre and will be one of our exciting range of events and festivals planned as part of Kirkcaldy Town Centre’s first ever Summer Festival.

The other events are: 10th July: A fun day of story telling in 2 giant Tipis and street theatre which includes the Market’s very own Guardian Angels making an appearance along with face painting. 24th July: Scotland’s Samba Celebrations which brings Samba bands to the town centre for one of the biggest “jams” in the country 31st July – Classic Vehicle Show which showcases some of the vintage and classic vehicles from around Scotland for the first time.

Come along and enjoy the delights of Kirkcaldy Town Centre and all the events this summer!

Find out where & when the Kirkcaldy Market of Optimism is taking place…

Phyllis Martin, Performing Arts Officer at Dumfries & Galloway Arts Asssociation described the event as a great success -

“We had lots of people of all ages. Some of them weren’t so sure at first but they soon joined in. There were human cash machones which gave out Neuros in exchange for a performance. One was every keen on checking balances and would ask people to stand on one leg before giving them Neuros. People could use their Neuros to shout their anger into a bile cannon or you could write your troubles on a piece of paper and a Flamenco dancer would literally stamp it to pieces“  Phyllis added: “It did have a more serious message too. When everyone is so worried about the recession and jobs it’s important to be able to smile sometimes.”

View photos from the Dumfries Market of Optimism on flickr

Here’s what the local residents had to say about it:

“What a wonderful surprise – somewhere to rejuvenate my faded belief in magic and creative fun!”

“It was brilliant! all of my friends thought it was amazing and we had lots of fun!”

“So glad I wandered into Perth town centre this afternoon – thank you for brightening my day up so spectacularly.”

The market will in Dumfries next on the 13th March 2010.  Be there to get your piece of the optimism!

Filmed by Fergus Thom, Carrbridge Films