Celebrity 'postcards from Brockhole'
Personal postcards from top celebrities and sports stars are being exhibited at the Lake District National Park Visitor Centre later next month to celebrate the county’s progress after last year’s floods.
Almost 100 postcards written by some of Britain’s biggest celebrities will be showcased at free ‘Wish You Were Here’ touring exhibition in the Theatre at Brockhole on the shores of Windermere from 10 August until 2 September.
Cumbria Tourism launched the Wish You Were Here campaign in the wake of the flooding to communicate that the county is open for business and welcoming visitors. Celebrities were invited to send postcards about why they love Cumbria and their response has been overwhelming.
Actors including this year’s BAFTA winner Carey Mulligan, ‘X-Men’ star Sir Patrick Stewart, ‘Harry Potter’ hero Robbie Coltrane, Bond girl Honor Blackman and ‘Lord of the Rings’ favourite Sir Ian McKellen have sent personal anecdotes and private photographs to help support the campaign and encourage people to visit those places that hold special memories for them.
Television favourites such as ‘Weakest Link’ host Anne Robinson, GMTV’s Ben Shephard, ‘Gavin and Stacey’ star Matt Horne, ‘Ashes to Ashes’ cop Philip Glenister, and ‘Royle Family’ funny man Ricky Tomlinson have also sent paintings, drawings and messages of support for the county along with sporting legends Sir Bobby Charlton, Sir Henry Cooper and Gary Lineker.
Cumbrian home-grown talent including Blue Peter’s Helen Skelton, Hairy Biker Dave Myers, West Bromwich Albion goalie Scott Carson, climbing prodigy Leo Houlding, motorsport boss Malcolm Wilson and England Rugby Union team captain Steve Borthwick have all stepped up for their county and contributed postcards revealing their favourite places in Cumbria.
Ian Stephens, Chief Executive of Cumbria Tourism said:
“The response from these famous people has been incredible, they have gone over and above what we asked of them and it’s been heart warming to hear that so many of these hugely talented people have a genuine fondness for Cumbria.”
