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Bristol hosts England’s first ever Fair Saturday
It is the perfect antidote to Black Friday: a global movement that instigates positive change through music and creativity.
And Bristol will be the first English city to host Fair Saturday, a day in which people across the world celebrate the arts and reflect on what it means to create a fairer society.
More than 25 venues, organisations, businesses, causes, artists and performers have registered events for the inaugural festival programme, which features workshops, performance, exhibitions, music and more.
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Festivities kick off on Friday evening with a groundbreaking musical experience performed by Paraorchestra & Friends – the world’s only large-scale ensemble for professional disabled musicians, in collaboration with the Army of Generals; an electrifying ensemble of non-disabled orchestral musicians.
With inspiration from electro-pop pioneers Kraftwerk, the orchestra will perform at the Marble Factory, using Kraftwerk’s 70s album, Trans-Europe Express, as the starting point for what’s being billed as a thrilling symphonic trip.
On Saturday, November 23, a host of activities and performances will take place in venues of all sizes across the city – including museums, markets, cafes and cultural spots.
It is all held in collaboration with charities and organisations representing the rights of refugees, homeless people and other vulnerable groups and minorities.
Louise Mitchell, of Bristol Music Trust, artist Brook Tate, Jordi Albareda, founder of Fair Saturday, Marvin Rees and Paloma Rodrigo, UK project manager of Fair Saturday
“I am delighted to be the first city in England to host Fair Saturday,” says mayor Marvin Rees.
“Generating a positive social impact sits at the heart of all that we do; whether it’s delivering day-to-day services, commissioning work in other parts of the city or forging partnerships with organisations in or outside of Bristol.
“Fair Saturday is, in a nutshell, that ambition to make things better encapsulated in a cultural event that everyone will have a chance to be a part of.”
Friday’s launch event is being delivered in partnership with Colston Hall as part of the Colston Presents season.
Todd Wills, artistic director at Colston Hall, adds: “Bringing this special collaboration to the stage as part of a festival which celebrates cultural and social engagement is perfect.
“And we couldn’t resist the chance to have an orchestra interpreting Kraftwerk in the unconventional environment of The Marble Factory.”
All events are listed and located on the Fair Saturday app, which can be downloaded to your phone as a Fair Saturday trail across the city.
Printed trail maps will also be available from the Colston Foyer, Spike Island, Central Library, Vestibules at City Hall, and Hamilton House.
Main image ©Paraorchestra, at Simple Things festival.
Read more: Bristol first city in Englad to launch Fair Saturday
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