Read all about the history of Celebrate: with programmes dating back all the way to 1998!
Author: admin
About Celebrate 2021
We would like to invite you to our 24th Celebrate festival for 2021 – with a difference!
Our theme is Celebrate Connections – and because we haven’t been able to get together for so long, we want to do something positive, all get involved, reconnect and look forward to when we can meet up again.
Of course we couldn’t hold a Festival last year because of the pandemic – and we still can’t hold our usual face-to-face event in the park this year, but we are planning lots of smaller events, activities and workshops between Saturday 12th June – Saturday 19th June – when the weather will be warmer and restrictions may be a little more relaxed…and of course we will be following government guidelines to keep our community safe.
We want to work together to make an Art Trail throughout Whalley Range – so that when people go for their daily walks they will see some inspiring and beautiful colours and will feel more connected to neighbours, friends and family. (maybe send us a photo or two for our gallery in the JNR8 windows!)
Celebrate week 12th – 19th June. We plan to put together Celebrate Connections packs for people who would like to get involved – with a selection of arty-crafty goodies/instructions to decorate your windows and outside your doors. The packs will contain template stencils for you to make beautiful Peace Mandalas, Rangoli patterns or Islamic designs to colour in or using chunky chalks on your doorstep – so people of all ages and abilities can join in! We will also be working with some residents to decorate the front of their houses.
We are planning to have small events and pop-up music and performance at different places during the week – celebrating local talent. There are some amazing musicians, performers and artists in Whalley Range.
And if we are able – a procession or some smaller processions throughout Whalley Range to finish off the week of Celebrate Connections – bringing our community back together again!
We will be working with our groups and facilitators – who can’t run their usual face-to-face workshops – in a number of ways. We have some funding to run small scale workshops and performances to be delivered to small/closed groups leading up to the events – in schools and community centres, housing schemes etc. and will be planning and discussing our offer over the coming weeks.
We have a small budget which we will offer to some of our local community groups who can apply for up to £100 for materials and expenses to run activities that fit in with our theme Celebrate Connections!
On our website during the Celebrate week we will promote (free) interactive, participatory local arts and crafts activities, music performances etc – tell us what you’re planning for that week and we’ll add it to the ‘virtual programme’ Or why not run one of your sessions specifically for the event?
Get in touch if you would like help to run an activity online.
We will also feature and promote health and wellbeing support groups and related activities: are you part of an online meditation group/Tai Chi/Yoga/ etc happening during that week? Why not get more people involved by running a free introduction session or sending us details to include in the ‘programme’?
We would really like to hear your ideas too: what can we do to feel more connected?
We want to work together across Whalley Range: we have a fantastic and diverse range of groups, musicians, community organisations, Faith groups, schools and more. Our mutual aid/street groups have been a lifeline to some of us and have brought people together to share ideas, improve our spaces and support each other.
And at the end of the week – depending on the rules – we are hoping we can have a Community Connections procession or several smaller processions to dress up, play some hand made instruments and wrap up the Festival!
Interested? Contact Chris or Lotte on 0161 881 3744, or communityforumwhalleyrange@gmail.com
Celebrate Festival 2021: Celebrate Connections
We are doing something different this year!
Click on the headings to find out what this years’ festival is all about – and keep checking this site and our Facebook page for the latest news!
Download the Celebrate Connections Festival Programme here!
Celebrate programme-2021-final
1. About Celebrate 2021
2. Call Out to Artists
3. Celebrate (Musical) Connections
4. The History of Celebrate…
5. Festival Zoom Sessions: getting ready for Celebrate and learn something new!
6. Meet the Artists and contributors
7. Music line-up and Buskers
8. Celebrate Connections on the art trail…
Ways to get involved in the Festival…
Festival Packs
Our free Celebrate Connections festival packs are ready for people to collect from JNR8! (or receive via our volunteers) Art packs, seeding growing packs and wellbeing packs – and decorate your window packs too!
COLLECT ON THURSDAY JUNE 10th – between 10-12 noon
Keep checking this page and Celebrate on Facebook for festival updates!
Whalley Range Community Forum Annual Report 2020
Local Mutual Aid and WhatsApp groups
Have you joined your Covid-19 Local Mutual Aid and/or WhatsApp street Group?
The Local Mutual Aid Groups are for residents that want to support each other and their neighbours with shopping, support and sharing information during the Covid-19/coronavirus pandemic.
We now have over 40 WhatsApp groups in Whalley Range – small, local and informal networks with the people living on their street, so that we can all support and help each other.
Follow the links below to find and join local Covid-19 Mutual Aid groups.
Chorlton Coronavirus Community Response
Whalley Range Covid-19 Mutual Support Group
What is Covid-19 Mutual Aid UK?
Local organising to support the most vulnerable in our communities
Covid-19 Mutual Aid UK is a group of volunteers supporting local community groups organising mutual aid throughout the Covid-19 outbreak in the UK. We focus on providing resources and connecting people to their nearest local groups, willing volunteers and those in need.
We recognise that injustice doesn’t affect everyone equally and whilst we’re all at risk of Covid-19, there are some people who are more vulnerable and need greater support from the community.
The basic idea is to coordinate care efforts for people who are self-isolating, especially if they are part of a more at risk demographic including the elderly, disabled and people with other pre-existing health issues.
We’re also trying to offer support to those people who are feeling most isolated/anxious throughout the pandemic. For people with mental health conditions this scale of panic can be overwhelming and so community support is vital.
Find a local group: https://covidmutualaid.org/local-groups/
What is WhatsApp?
Getting started with WhatsApp
Introduction: WhatsApp is a free to use app using an internet connection between phones, a replacement for SMS text messages, with over 900 million active users worldwide.
It is available on iPhones, Android smartphones, Windows Phone and Mac laptops and Windows PC. Allowing you to send messages, pictures, videos and even voice recordings, as well as make voice and video calls over the internet for free, rather than using your mobile network which costs you money.
The messages you send on WhatsApp are end-to-end encrypted making your communications secure. This means that only your device, and that of the recipient, can decode them.
Some of the advantages of using WhatsApp are:
- WhatsApp is completely free for use.
- Instantly send a message to anywhere in the world.
- Easy to use
- Send to anyone; Document files upto 100Mb such as PDF, Slideshows, etc.
- It has also the features to delete the message that you have sent
- It imports the contacts from your phone and tells you that how many of your friends are using WhatsApp.
- You can share your location, photos, status, images, documents, videos with your friends.
- It shows whether your message is sent or not and whether or not the receiver has received or read the message. (single tick for sent and double tick for delivered, grey is for delivered and blue is to show that the message has been read by the person).
- WhatsApp started providing end-to-end encryption feature, which makes your WhatsApp communication highly secure.
- It saves your money by reducing normal Text and Multimedia messages cost.
- It can be linked to both Mac and Windows computers.
Read the full guide here: Getting Started (2)
What is Skype?
Getting started with Skype
Introduction: Skype is a worldwide and free to use online webchat service, owned by Microsoft it is integrated into the Microsoft “brand” and would normally come pre-installed on a Windows 10 computer or laptop (Windows 7 is no longer supported but it may be possible to download a version that should work) on a smart phone it will need to be downloaded from the app store unless of course it is a “Windows” phone.
Skype is a person to person connection over the internet and the following check list needs to be considered if you want to start Skyping with family, friends and colleagues.
Questions; Laptop, computer, tablet and smart phone.
- Does your laptop have a camera, microphone and speakers? (A camera is usually identified as a small plastic lens at the centre top of the screen) most computers and some older laptops may require you to buy all or some of the following; USB video camera, combined headset or microphone and speakers.
(A tablet or smart phone will not usually require any of this extra hardware).
- Does your laptop, computer, tablet or smart phone already have Skype installed? (Look for the icon either in the desktop menu, desktop, taskbar applications etc.) Otherwise it will need to be downloaded from the Windows or App. Store.
Read the full guide here: Getting Started (1)
10 Big Ideas for Making Our Community a Better Place for People Living with Dementia
#10BigIdeas
The Chorlton and Whalley Range Dementia Action Group has the ambition of making where we live a great place to be for people living with dementia, and their carers and families. Although Dementia is mostly associated with older age, there are also 40,000 people with young-onset dementia in the UK. If 1 in every 14 of the population aged 65 years and over is living with dementia the chances are that you know someone or live close to someone who has dementia.
Chorlton and Whalley Range Dementia Action Group was started in 2016 by two local people who have some personal experience of dementia. Four years later we are a small but enthusiastic group of local residents and professionals that meet monthly and our recent work has focussed on creating a booklet entitled ’10 Big Ideas for Making Our Community a Better Place for People Living with Dementia’. Research shows that well-resourced neighbourhoods allow people living with dementia to get out and about; maintain connections with people outside of their family; and play an active role in the social life of local places (Dr Sarah Campbell, Dementia and Ageing Research Team, the University of Manchester). The #10BigIdeas booklet is designed to spark community interest and really encourage people to think about how they can play their part in helping to shape neighbourhoods, ensuring that physical spaces, groups and activities are accessible to all; including people living with dementia.
The Dementia Action Group really hope that #10BigIdeas will start conversations in your local community groups, streets and neighbourhoods about how we can all make a difference, and open up opportunities for people living with dementia. What ideas can you try?
Click on the picture to read the booklet…
10 Big Ideas – Chorlton and Whalley Range Dementia Action Group
Whalley Range Climate Action Group
We are a group of local residents who are starting a local climate change action group. Climate change is a huge threat to us and the planet. Although it is easy to despair, we can make a difference by working with others for change and we want to do this in our area.
This new group will work to support each other to make positive changes to our lives and community and to act for change. Members will decide what we do and can get involved in as much or as little as you like – ideas so far include learning sessions, supporting each other, climate campaigning, and linking with other groups in and beyond the area.
We are hoping to build a supportive group that meets locally to share ideas and strategies and organise activities and campaigns. Everybody is very welcome to join no matter what your current level of knowledge. You are invited to contribute your skills and energy to build a self sustaining, learning, active group.
Come to our meetings from 11-1pm at the JNR8 Youth and Community Centre 82 Cromwell Avenue Whalley Range M16 0BG.
There is the option to eat lunch together afterwards, please bring your own veggie food. For more info see the Whalley Rangers Facebook Group, Twitter @RangeAction or contact climateaction@whalleyrangers.org
Protected: WRCF Information
Local resident Chris Williams is the Creator of the Anne Frank Project…
Local resident Chris Williams is the Creator of the Anne Frank Project…
‘a chronicled storyboard in words and music called: ‘six million voices – one girl – and a diary’
“Having 2 minutes to talk about the Anne Frank project, made me think about the concept of ‘time’. 25 years ago, the Diary of Anne Frank was planted into my mind and gave me the idea to compose a short piece of music which I called a ‘Trilogy’.
It saved the day by supplying the impetus for the 1st music assignment required on a 4-year Degree program.
25 years later I picked the ‘Trilogy’ back off the shelf and began working on it as a project.
It took 2 years to compose enough music, create Synopsis’ wordage, gather extracts from the Diary, and gain permission from the Anne Frank Family Trust in Switzerland, to complete the writing of one C.D.
One year ago I launched the Music Disc and one month ago produced a companion audio ‘Talking Book’.
Anne spent 2 years writing her detailed Diary. She died 2 months before the Concentration Camps were liberated.
Anne’s story pierced my heart, because of the inhumane atrocities to which she was subjected; Anne’s story also strengthened my heart, because of the courage and tenacity with which she endured the horrors of her persecution.
Through this journey of the Diary of Anne Frank, I have been liberated from my own struggles as a victim of abuse and have found my own voice. The result is a chronicled storyboard in words and music called: ‘six million voices – one girl – and a diary’. The story will not end there as I continue to write and compose the Anne Frank Project, because Anne’s life is unsinkable. Thank you for listening.
chris williams
anne frank project
soundcloud
Anne Frank was a 13 year old girl, living an ordinary life in Amsterdam, Holland.
Caught up in World War Two, Anne lost her life, but left behind an enduring legacy in the writing of her Diary.
During those turbulent times, Anne examined through words and in her thinking, to rationalise everything – the behaviours of other people, and in the party of hideaways with whom she was trapped inside a secret annexe for two years; and the actions of Hitler and his army of followers, of their attempt to wipe out the Jewish population.
Anne own personal feelings towards others, her adolescent mood swings, the daily grinding routines within the secret annexe, her love of nature, God and music, her fears of the unknown, the joy of love as she became aware of her fluctuating emotions for boys, her own self-recognition of developing from a child into a young woman; all of these aspects were recorded into the detailed expressions of Anne two years of Diary writing.
Although Anne was physically trapped and immobilised within the square footage of the secret annexe, she was always moving forward in her mind, through her rigorous and continued education; reading and learning were keenly structured into her two years of enforced hiding from the world. Through contemplation and reflection, dreaming and forward thinking, Anne was constantly maturing.
This ethos I have hoped to incorporate into the music, to make it a travelling music, a travelling experience for the listener, a progressive journey for and in the mind of the audience, encapsulating two predominant years of Anne life.
I advocate that the content and impact of Anne illuminating Diary gives cause to the expression of many manners of musical composition to be explored and displayed.
As for the profound significance of this abominable subject on victimisation, I have intended to produce a sincere and honest music biography of The Diary of Anne Frank.
And through my music, to remind the cause for peace, tolerance, and non-violence amongst all peoples, past, present and future.
Thanks for reading
Chris Williams – Creator of the Anne Frank Project
A Synopsis for each track is available. Be sure to click on the track or its photo.
Celebrate Survey: What did people say about the Festival?
Q1: How does the Celebrate Festival bring the Whalley Range community together?
Q2: Why is an event that brings members of a very diverse community together important?
- An event which caters for all ages, young, old and in-between! One that has activities that are attractive to a wide range of cultures and interest groups. Something for everybody. One of the highlights of the Whalley Range year.
- By having music and stalls that appeal to several cross sections of society. Whalley Range has a diverse society, lots of religions and cultures and Celebrate Festival reflects this.
- it brings rich, poor, middle-class, working-class, young and old together and those from other ethnic minorities besides English.
- This is an opportunity for the vast number of small voluntary and community groups to showcase what they are involved in and promote theri activities. its a chance for neighbours to get together in an informal way. With so many people leading busy lives, its really wonderful to see everyone from across the community in the same place enjoying the activiteis, information sharing and each others company.
- Because it enables us to integrate and embrace and respect each others cultures. It also breaks down preconceived barriers by allowing us to share opinions and beliefs and make way for a harmonious society where we can all celebrate each others cultures.
- Community cohesion and integration must be encouraged to avoid people feeling isolated, abandonned and rejected. Events like this promote community cohesion.
- It gets people of all ages, backgrounds and nationalities to come together doing interesting things that they normally wouldn’t.
- People just end up in ghettos if not actively encouraged to mix at fun events like ‘Celebrate’.
- The celebrate festival is an integral part of our community. I have been going with my family since it started and my children grew up with it and now bring their children.
- Everyone I know in Whalley Range for years always kept may bank holiday free for the festival.
- The event brings all members of the community together and in all the years I have been there has always been a great atmosphere.
- the local young people all get involved as well and it gives them a platform
- In diverse communities like Whalley Range it is often not the case that people from the diverse range all get along. often the different groups are isolated from each other and never really mix. events like this are a good way to get people from the wide range of groups to talk to each other and share commonalities as well as celebrate difference.
- There’s something for everyone. It heralds the start of the summer. It reminds people that we are a community, and all equal. It offers information about events where people can work together to make Whalley Range an even better place.
- The answer is in the question. We need events like this to remind us that we all all equal and neighbours, and that Whalley Range is a great place to live, and to celebrate it.
- Groups and individuals from every part of the community get involved, and they all bring their families, friends and neighbours. It’s always busy, even if the weather’s not good.
- Because people can see that we all live in the same community, therefore we ARE the same community. Celebrate demonstrates this really well.
- It’s the only event of this scale where we really see people from different backgrounds playing and working together through the arts. Nothing else covered the whole of Whalley Range, and it’s the only chance many people get for an outdoor music festival (major ones are too far away or two expensive).
- For the continual harmony of the community. Without an event like this, I fear for future discourse through lack of joint activities; if this one goes, then what else will go next?
- It is the only opportunity to bring people together who are not connected to a particular school or religious group, and has activities and information for all sections of the community
- It helps celebrate what is good about this diversity, especially at a time of increased negative media coverage.
- The Whalley Range Celebrate festival brings together the local residents to create and showcase local and up and coming talent. It gives residents a chance to meet each other that would not normally and can result in building long lasting friendships in the local area.
- As a very diverse community, Whalley range can sometimes be quite fractured and so this event gives the locals a common focus and goal.
- It’s the only regular event that really belongs to everyone in Whalley Range. Whenever I go with my family we meet up with people we don’t often see and find out about stuff happening in the area. It’s great to see local talent performing too.
- If different groups don’t meet and speak to each other, it’s harder for the community to work together to solve problems like loneliness or antisocial behaviour.
- I think the Celebrate Festival brings people in Whalley Range community together by providing a event that is fun and enjoyable for the whole community.
- It gets people out socialising with people in there community that they may not have talked to before, allowed you to meet new friends (people with the same interests)
- It’s inclusive, everyone has a chance to get involved and it’s a chance to participate in free workshops
- Because we are all human beings and Celebrate brings human beings regardless of their shape or colour together to have fun and learn