In the spirit of New York’s ‘Come Out and Play’ and London’s ‘Hide and Seek’ gaming festivals, Larkin’ About hosts a series of games events throughout the year, bringing playful experiences to the people of Manchester. Conceived as Manchester’s first festival dedicated to pervasive gaming Larkin’ About is now an on-going collaboration between theatre practitioners, digital artists, map makers, live artists and game players. Larkin’ About is also proud to announce it will be creating a programme of games as part of the established Manchester based festivals Eurocultured , FutureEverything and Hazard.

“Now a fast-growing new movement is pushing the [gaming] concept a step further – into the actual world. If you see men and women dashing through the streets at night pursued by sinister, black-clad figures, or a cluster of people receiving instructions from GPS-enabled phones, chances are you’ve witnessed an example of the recent theatrical phenomenon “pervasive gaming”. Guardian.co.uk

Larkin’ About was launched by way of a 12 hour event of games, art and mayhem in greenroom December 2009, it was an event of flashmobs in Manchester Arndale, chases through the streets and along the canals, labyrinths in the greenroom performance space, treasure hunts in the Christmas Markets and playful experiences all over the greenroom building.

Larkin’ About responds to our increased demand for interactivity with the media and art that we choose to enjoy. Playing games can be a powerful experience; play can help people engage with media & art and games should not be restricted to the digital world. Larkin’ About uses gaming structures to help people enjoy their city and experience new art & media in a different and direct way. The ‘performers’ are the participants and they have a direct effect on the outcome of the activity or game, whether by creating something from the everyday and ordinary or simply by participating and being.

Pervasive gaming is a growing phenomena as people find increasingly interesting ways to reinterpret city landscapes as playgrounds; game players and designers are finding new opportunities for fun, adventure and expression in the seemingly familiar or mundane and most importantly games give players the chance to dictate the outcome of real events.

Upcoming Larkin’ About Dates

Splendid Weekend, Sunday 25th July, 12pm-3pm, Hyde Park, Hyde
The second in our Tameside-based events aimed at promoting an active lifestyle.

If you are interested in joining the Larkin’ About Volunteer Army, designing/running a game or have any general enquiries, comments and suggestions please email larkin.about2009@gmail.com

For more information on pervasive gaming: www.ludocity.org
For more information about Larkin’ About, photos and event news: www.facebook.com/larkinaboutmcr