A SONIC artwork connected to the River Cleddau is the focus of talks, screenings and conversations during July and August at The Lab, Haverfordwest.

Artist Serena Korda has been commissioned by Confluence, the creative collaboration behind The Lab, to create a new participatory artwork for Haverfordwest that connects with the river flowing through the centre of the county town.

‘Black Diamond’ will see the creation of a rave track, featuring local musicians interacting with the river and mixed by electronic composer Andy Wheddon. The project links back to Pembrokeshire’s early 90’s underground rave scene, and will culminate on August 30 with a boat journeying up the river to the town centre, blasting out the track.

Leading up to the final performance, a programme of related events will take place at The Lab’s base in the former Ocky Whites department store.

On July 15 at 7pm, Serena Korda will give a talk about her art practice. On July 18 at 2pm, a short introduction to Black Diamond will include at talk by local historian Simon Hancock –‘The Western Cleddau: A Route of Migration and Commerce’ – and a screening of ‘Muscle Shoals’ a documentary about a river’s edge recording studio in Alabama.

On July 25 at 2pm, Ruth Jones, artist and founder of Holy Hiatus, will give a talk entitled ‘Sacred River – Source of Life and Gateway to the Underworld’, followed by a live performance of Sue Howley’s ‘Requiem of the Somme’, sung by Sue and Llangwm Village Voices choir.

National Park ranger Hayley Barrett will give a talk on August 1 tracing the journey of the Cleddau from its source in the Preselis to the Milford Haven Estuary. The talk will include a chance to sample the river water for invertebrate life and assess its health.

For more information visit www.thelabhaverfordwest.org