Act your age at London's free festival celebrating older people, July 11th, 2008

30/06/2008

Everyone is welcome at the annual Capital Age Festival, London's largest and liveliest cultural festival created by older people, for older people - and free for all. There’s no better time to act your age!

The Capital Age Festival has really exploded into life since it started - leaping from 900 attendees in 2003 to a staggering 20,000 in 2007 - despite the unpredictable weather. Last year the entertainment was provided by over 250 older performers from all four corners of the capital with four stages and performance areas offering a jam-packed programme of dance, theatre and music - and it it looks set to repeat this year.

The Festival is a unique opportunity to celebrate the talents and contribution of older Londoners, as well as providing a visible demonstration of music, song, dance, street theatre and workshops representing London's diverse communities. At the heart of the Festival is the Big Chair Dance, showcased after weeks of preparation in the Clore Ballroom at Royal Festival Hall. Older Londoners will be performing dance in their chairs, using moves specially developed by professional choreographers for dancers of all abilities.

The Capital Age Festival is organised by the London Older People’s Strategies Group as part of the Coin Street Festival. It is supported by the Mayor of London, Arts Council England, Transport for London, the Metropolitan Police Service, Help the Aged, City Bridge Trust and IndependentAge.

Date: Friday 11 July 2008,

Time: 1pm to 5pm

Location: Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, London SE1 8XX.

For more information visit the websites linked below or call 020 7785 3870.
 

And then there's the Big Summer Tea Dance on July 12th 2008 -

if you miss the Festival, why not spend an afternoon dancing your troubles away at the Royal Opera House as part of Big Dance 2008?

Whether you are an experienced tea dancer or have always fancied gliding across the dance floor but never quite known how, this is your chance. Come and learn how to waltz, cha cha cha and quickstep to the strains of wonderful live music from the Royal Opera House Dance Band.

The afternoon begins at 12:00 noon with a 45 minute lesson and refresher session led by Carola Degener-Pereira, followed by a Tea Dance from 1:00 – 2:30 pm. All levels of experience are welcome. Refreshments will be available throughout the day. Tickets for the Big Summer Tea Dance are free but must be booked. Please call the box office on 020 7304 4000 to reserve your tickets. For more information please contact on 020 7212 9410 or email education@roh.org.uk.