Over-60s in Barrow are urged to try new things and have some fun at creative events in the town.
Arts organisation BarrowFull is hosting five days of free creative activity for local people aged 60-plus to explore, with performances and workshops delivered by professional older artists and performers from Barrow and across the UK and world.
From October 1 to October 5 at Barrow Town Hall, over-60s can try their hand at several activities for free.
Everything is aimed at all levels of experience but focused on many being beginners. A free lunch and refreshments are also available each day.
The events open with the What Next? Creative Ageing in Barrow & Beyond Summit from 10.30am to 4pm on Wednesday October 1, which coincides with the International Day of Older People.
The summit will invite creative professionals and older people from across the UK and world to Barrow to showcase and discuss ideas relating to older people’s involvement with the arts. The first day closes with performances by international and Barrovian older artists.
Thursday October 2 to Saturday October 4 will be crammed full of opportunities for local people to get involved in creative workshops.
All the activities are aimed at people who might have never taken part in anything similar, and everyone will be supported to take part in a safe and friendly way.
The programme offers people the chance to try clowning and mime, Indian dance, samba drumming, theatre, creative writing, music, and visual arts workshops, and there will be drop in circus skills and skateboarding workshops held in between the main sessions.
There will be staff available to support people in whatever way they need, and the atmosphere will be warm and friendly with plenty of opportunities to ask questions.
The What Next? Closing event will take place straight after Westmorland and Furness Council and Age UK’s Silver Sunday, the day which celebrates Older People, at the town hall from 3.30pm to 5pm, and everyone is welcome to join.
Daniel Tyler-McTighe, BarrowFull artistic director, said: “The October events build on the work we’ve been exploring with Barrovians over the last couple of years.
“It’s really important that the skills, experience, stories and contributions to society older people make are showcased and celebrated, and I’m excited to see what they can create in October, as well as looking forward to welcoming older artists from across the UK and world to Barrow.”
BarrowFull is funded by Arts Council England to provide opportunities for people who live in Barrow, but if there are people who live outside Barrow and would like to get involved, they are invited to get in touch by emailing [email protected]
The event has been produced in collaboration with local partners Lakes International Comic Arts Festival and Age UK South Cumbria and supported by Westmorland and Furness Council, Sir John Fisher Foundation and Barrow Town Council.
To book you can email [email protected] or call/message 07704 976854.
