A CELEBRATION OF LATER LIFE

The UK’s population is getting older. For every 1,000 people aged 16 to 64, there are 285 people aged 65 and over (according to July 2017 Office for National Statistics).

It is the International Day of Older Persons on 1^st October, closely followed by ‘Silver Sunday’ on 7^th October which is an annual day of fun activities for older people in the UK. To celebrate, Storyhouse, in collaboration with Age UK Cheshire and Brightlife, is holding a ‘Love Later Life’ festival of workshops, theatre, song and wellbeing on 1^st and 2^nd October and 7^th October.

The Love Later Life festival will see a range of fun, creative and informative events all geared towards the over 50’s, completely free of charge* With everything from laughter yoga to later life financial planning, the festival is focused on welcoming older people into the cultural centre and celebrating their wisdom and experience.

Storyhouse Artistic Director, Alex Clifton, said: “Our culture is very biased towards the young. As our population ages, we need to build a society which is kinder, more generous to its elders. We are delighted to be working together with Age UK Cheshire and Brightlife for the Love Later Life festival. There is something for everyone over the three days and I am looking forward to welcoming Chester’s older residents to Storyhouse as they take part in the many and varied activities.”

The event kicks off on Monday 1^st October with a Poetry Open Mic in the Garrett Theatre, (slightly ahead of National Poetry Day which is on Thursday 4^th October), compered and headlined by Joy France (Nationwide Poetry Campaign 2017).

On Tuesday 2nd October there will be the opportunity to join in creative arts workshops, improve online digital skills, take part in a laughter yoga or mindfullness session, find out more about planning for later life - and much, much more.  

Dale Maskell, Chief Executive of Age UK Cheshire, said: “We can’t wait to welcome people to the Love Later Life festival at Storyhouse! If there’s a secret to being healthy and happy in later life we believe that staying active, connected, learning new skills and being able to share your life experiences is a major factor.”

Chris McClelland, Head of Brightlife, said: “On its simplest level, it’s about feeling part of something bigger than you. We see time and again how the arts and opportunities for creative expression can help start conversations, open discussions, trigger precious memories or just bring like-minded people together through a fun activity.”

A full programme of activities is available at: https://www.storyhouse.com/event/love-later-life or in leaflet format in the Storyhouse foyer.

*The performance of Over the Garden Fence is £6 per ticket - carers go free. 

*The screening of the King of Thieves will also be charged at £6 per ticket.  Booking essential