By Lyn Hillman
The third annual international Most Wuthering Heights Day Ever took place on Saturday, July 14 with events in more than 20 cities around the globe. The Atlanta performance was held in Grant Park next to the recreation center. The event features participants re-creating the “red dress” music video, one of two videos released for British singer/songwriter Kate Bush’s song Wuthering Heights, based on classic novel by Emily Brontë. The song was the first single from Bush’s debut album The Kick Inside, released in 1978. Bush read the book and then wrote the song in 1977 after watching a 1967 BBC miniseries based on the novel.
This year’s event marked the 40th anniversary of the release of the album. Several dozen participants came out in their red dresses to take part in several rehearsals and a video recording of the performance. The video can be seen at www.facebook.com/events/708871622570627/?active_tab=discussion. After the performance, attendees celebrated the 200th anniversary of Emily Brontë’s birthday with a cake. The event was free and open to the public.
Donations were accepted to offset the event costs including city permit fees. According to event organizer Jes Distad, a portion of the proceeds from the sale of commemorative pins will be given to The Giving Kitchen, an Atlanta-based nonprofit that provides emergency financial assistance to restaurant workers who experience a crisis such as an illness or injury.
The event was inspired by the group Shambush, who organized the original Ultimate Kate Bush Experience in Brighton, England in 2013.
For next year’s event, the organizers are planning the first water-based performance with a pool party to counteract the summer heat. It is scheduled for July 27 at the Recreation ATL Pool in Lilburn. Those interested can follow the event page at www.facebook.com/events/1250153008455245 and plan to bring or wear a red bathing suit or red dress along with a potluck dish to share.
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