Celebrating Age Festival 2011

This year’s Celebrating Age Festival is taking the theme ‘Coming Together’ – exploring what different generations have in common and ways people can live together without perceived barriers of age getting in the way.

Organised by older people in Bristol through the Older People’s Forum, with the support of Bristol City Council and NHS Bristol, the Festival launches with an event at M-Shed on Tuesday 30 August between 1pm and 4pm.

This year, broadcaster and naturalist, Bill Oddie, will be launching the five day programme of activities and entertainment. One of the most well-known and multi-talented show biz personalities of his generation, Bill’s popularity continues to increase, with every television series, radio broadcast, book, stage and public appearance. This is sure to be an informative and highly entertaining chance to meet a man who has resolutely decided never to be too grown up.

Tickets are free, but will be limited and can be reserved by emailing agefestival@gmail.com or by calling Claire on 0117 927 3314.

The festival reaches its finale on Saturday 3 September with a free event at Colston Hall, starting at 10am. The day will be opened by the Lord Mayor, Councillor Geoff Gollop, followed by a performance from the Bristol Male Voice Choir.

The Bristol Sambistas will give a lively performance to get everyone moving, while headline act, 11-piece Swing and Jive band The Regular Joes, will serve up a swinging, dancing treat.

 A host of local organisations will be on hand to offer advice and information as well as NHS therapies, craft stalls and special Celebrating Age art and fashion shows. There’s even a chance to take part in our own ‘Any Questions’, with local MPs on the panel.

Chair of Bristol Older People’s Forum and member of the team organising the festival, Judith Brown, said: “We want this joyful event to show how much we all have in common. Let’s all challenge the labels that get stuck on young and old alike.”

Bristol City Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care, Cllr Jon Rogers, said: “Now in its fifth year, the Celebrating Age Festival is a fantastic way of highlighting the contribution older people make to Bristol. Older people identified the festival as one of their top five priorities for developing quality of life in the city.

Following feedback from last year’s festival, we’ve moved the timing so it is earlier and part of the city’s summer festival season.”

For the full festival programme, visit www.bristol.gov.uk/celebratingage

Programme leaflets are available at locations throughout the city.