Social events

Getting to know you - building bridges, making friendships

The performance, workshops and meetings programme will be strongly supported by a range of social activities and parties because we believe that with music and singing, they are important factors for a more holistic approach to well-being, a healthier, balanced lifestyle.

Space and venues have already been pledged by sponsors for fundraising, festival awareness events, having fun and social gatherings, both before and during the festival and after the 4 full day festival. Such events will be fundraisers to publicise Various Voices 2009, as much about excellence as having fun.

Chill out, time out, relaxing spaces will be created; market places, arts events, poetry and literature readings, visual and applied arts events, fashion happenings, music ensembles will add seasoning and texture to a diverse and culturally rich event.

Religious and non- religious services will be facilitated where diversity and respect will be celebrated.

Dance parties, bar crawls, café stops, restaurant meets will form an intrinsic part of the plans. Dancing and movement, tea dances, Latin and ballroom, disco and free styles for all.

Fun singing for everyone, silly sings, children's songs, bar songs, football songs, karaoke and songs. Hobbies, games and playing will feature. Human sculptures to chess, gay monopoly to knitting dog coats.

Cake stall, tombola at the village fete with picnic, a May Pole, laughter and a merry go round. Drinking tea, eating cake, sipping champagne, swigging beer, tingly lemonade and margaritas to make you wince.

Picnics and walks, boats trips, theatre trips, jogging and bicycle runs will compliment tai chi, meditation, sporting activities and the whole range of tourist attractions on the doorstep to enrich the Various Voices experience.

Youth, children and older people will be involved in our holistic approach to social enrichment.

English and non-English speaking peoples coming together to dismantle barriers, building bridges of understanding and forging friendships to make the world a better happier, a more fun and contented place.