Preston’s ‘arty-farty-fairy-godmother’ to host storytelling and clay workshop celebrating women

Phoebe Foxtrot at a previous Lancashire Fringe Festival Pic: Garry Cook

Preston’s very own arty-farty-fairy-godmother is set to host a special 1-2-1 storytelling and mini clay workshop.

Phoebe Foxtrot will be at Preston Bus Station on Saturday 28 September with Capacity To Hold, as part of Lancashire Fringe Festival.

Capacity To Hold is described as a celebration of women and all the amazing things they can do. From climbing mountains to bringing world peace, participants will hear stories of women from around the world while making their very own little clay pot.

Phoebe Foxtrot is the creation of Sam Edwards, who grew up in Ashton and attended UCLan. Sam now lives in Elswick and spends her weeks facilitating creative activity in communities and helping people tell their stories through art and theatre.

Speaking to Blog Preston, Sam said: “Phoebe Foxtrot was born back in 2017 as a small illustration brand, selling gentle feminist doodles and vintage homeware.

“Over the years, Phoebe Foxtrot has become the umbrella under which I work as a community artist, art activist and performance artist. She is my way to reach out to the world creatively, my way of making positive social change through art and community engagement.”

Sam says she aims to make work for everyone, and tries to ask questions about the world we live in, in a gentle way.

“Capacity To Hold is all about women’s proudest moments – not relating to maternity or parenting – a real celebration of things women have achieved. But, on a much deeper level it’s about women’s rights around the world to full and happy lives.”

Phoebe Foxtrot tries to ask questions in a gentle way Pic: Garry Cook

Performing at the Bus Station has a special meaning for Sam.

“I have always loved the Bus Station! My mum didn’t drive when I was growing up, so the bus was our way of getting around.

“The Bus Station and its brutalist beauty have always held a place in my heart, so I’m over the moon to have the chance to bring some art and joy to it for the Lancashire Fringe Festival.”

Capacity to Hold is a new commission piece for Lancashire Fringe Festival.

“I would love Capacity To Hold to have a life beyond the Lancashire Fringe as a large scale project with lots of women telling their stories, dancing, being together and making beautiful ceramic pots.”

Capacity to Hold takes place on Saturday 28 September from 12pm to 6pm at Preston Bus Station.

This event is part of a day of performances at the Bus Station for Lancashire Fringe Festival, where all shows are free with an optional Pay What You Decide donation bucket available.

You can find out more about Phoebe’s work on the Phoebe Foxtrot website or follow on social media @phoebefoxtrot.

For more information about the show and the festival, visit the Enjoy the Show website.

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This story was made possible by you, our readers, and a host of organisations in the city, through our Crowdfund Lancashire appeal, which unlocked support from the Lancashire Culture and Sport Fund provided by Lancashire County Council. You can see all our coverage and, if you know of an arts project or event in the city we should be covering, you can submit it for our event listings and/or send details to contactus@blogpreston.co.uk for us to cover it as a story on the Blog.