How it all began
In 1997, Whalley Range Youth Opportunities Association staged their first youth arts festival, culminating in Celebrate 98.
The aims were much the same as for Celebrate today:
• To celebrate the talent, diversity and resources of Whalley Range.
• To promote a positive image of the area and improve the quality of life.
• To encourage participation of the different communities within the area and work within an anti-discriminatory framework.
The festival provided approximately two hundred children and young people with the opportunity to experience music, video, photography, sculpture and circus skills workshops. This was commissioned and run by seven local artists in a variety of settings, such as schools, church and community halls, and the involvement of the community and its resources was of equal importance in developing community spirit.
The Whalley Range Community Forum was formed in 1995 and works in partnership with Celebrate. The Forum worker promotes participation in the age-friendly and community aspects of the event, sharing information, opportunities, and activities, supporting new groups - and runs a website, Twitter, newsletter and activities for all age-groups. And is currently co-ordinating Celebrate and this site!
Links: tinyurl.com/ny4p7zw
Facebook: http://tinyurl.com/oeajfl7
