We were thrilled to be part of (B)old Festival over two days this summer. (B)old was a new festival profiling artists aged 65 years and over at London’s Southbank Centre. (B)old featured artists who are established in their practise and recognised nationally or internationally for their work. (B)old was to celebrate great artists who stand the test of time and doesn’t shy away from the issues facing them.

On Saturday (Prince Harry and Meghan’s wedding day) we hosted a 21st Century tea party like no other.

Like a big old family party, the afternoon of delights at Southbank Centre offered a royal wedding-themed bonanza of dance, music, song and royal fun.

Co-curated with older members of Entelechy Arts Elders Theatre Company, members of Meet Me at the Albany, and artists in the care homes programme Walking through Walls, and hosted by Christopher Green and his alter ego, the unforgettable Ida Barr, members of the public and out Meet Me members all experienced a multi-media event of live music, video, theatre, performance, storytelling, singing and dancing.

There was live music from Jive Five, the Meet Me Choir, a guest performance from older Heart ‘n’ Soul artists, spoken word performances from older poets, sing-alongs, catwalks, plenty of dancing and to start of the festivities there was, of course, a big screening of Harry and Meghan’s wedding.

BED

We worked with six Elders to devise new performances of Bed for the (B)old Festival.

Bed was devised by older members of Entelechy Arts Theatre Group who wanted to make a statement about the invisibility they felt when going about their lives in public places.

There were four beds placed around the outside spaces of Festival Hall and Bed performances were on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 May between 12.30 – 2.30pm and 3.30pm – 5.30pm.

We were joined by our Ambient Jam crew and many of the artists and performers who regularly work with us.