Meridian Festival 2016

SUNDAY 18th SEPTEMBER (cont’d)

ABOUT MERIDIAN

CONNECT WITH YOUR AUDIENCE How to tell stories with passion Led by storyteller Abimbola Alao

Welcome to the first MERIDIAN Festival of Music and Storytelling. We are sure you will be entertained by the programme of performances, workshops and meditations, and hope you will also learn, be inspired and even make new friends.

In today’s fast-paced world, an audience will have been exposed to first-rate entertainment through films, theatre or television; therefore it may take more than straightforward narration to hold their attention.

This hour-long workshop will explore ways in which a storyteller can creatively and powerfully engage an audience.

Sun 18 Sept, 4.15-5.15pm. Tickets £5

MERIDIAN

Music & Storytelling from Different Cultures & Faiths

MERIDIAN aims to make creative connections between the many cultures and faiths in and around Plymouth. It is hosted by Plymouth Unitarian Church and is part of the Ocean City Festival.

HOW TO BUY TICKETS Tickets can be purchased on the door or in advance from www.hazeltreetherapies.co.uk HOW TO CONTACT US Website www.ukunitarians.org.uk/plymouth Twitter @plymunitarians Facebook plymouthunitarians Telephone 01752 290091 HOW TO FIND US Plymouth Unitarian Church Notte Street, Plymouth PL1 2HG

INSPIRED BY THE SEA An exciting evening of stories and music Performed by Abimbola Alao, Liz Berg, Bev Smerdon and friends Join some of Plymouth’s well-loved storytellers – and a surprise visitor or two – to experience an enchanting evening of diverse tales from different cultures and spiritual traditions.

Sun 18 Sept, 7pm. Tickets £6.50

16th - 18th September 2016

FRIDAY 16th SEPTEMBER SACRED GONG BATH Led by Reiki Masters Brian & Kathryn Colling Come and bathe in the magical sounds of the Sacred Gongs. The vibrations that arise from the gongs are like a great cosmic choir and the randomness of the sound means the brain has no set pattern to follow, so it surrenders and allows the whole body to let go. The experience is re-energising and excellent for wellbeing.

Fri 16 Sept, 7.30pm. Tickets £8

A JOLLY GOOD SING Led by Natural Voice Practitioner Neal Jolly Come and sing songs of joy, sadness and beauty from near and far. This is an opportunity to enjoy singing for its own sake in a non-threatening and supportive environment. No experience necessary. All songs taught by ear.

Sat 17 Sept, 2.30-4pm. Tickets £5

SUNDAY 18th SEPTEMBER INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE Sunday Service led by Rev Kate Whyman Words and music reflecting on the United Nations theme for 2016 ‘Building Blocks for Peace’.

Everyone welcome, whatever your beliefs Sun 18 Sept, 11am-12 noon. Free admission

THE MAGIC OF CELTIC HARP Performed by Sarah Deere-Jones, Director of Cornwall Harp Centre This magical concert will include haunting songs and dazzling instrumentals on traditional harp from across Celtic Britain and the world.

Sarah Deere-Jones is one of the UK’s foremost harpists and performs all over the world. Her virtuoso playing reveals the variety and breadth of music possible on the instrument. Her performances - at times profoundly moving, surprising and exhilarating - are liberally sprinkled with warmth and humour.

Sat 17 Sept, 7pm. Tickets £8

SATURDAY 17th SEPTEMBER

HANDS ON HARPS - WITH HARPS PROVIDED Workshops led by Sarah Deere-Jones

STORYTELLING IS FUN! Led by actor and storyteller Bev Smerdon

A unique opportunity to 'have a go' at playing the harp under the direction of Sarah Deere-Jones, experienced teacher and director of the Cornwall Harp Centre.

We all tell stories – all the time – whatever our age.

Find out how to remember, re-tell and enjoy stories old and new. This workshop is suitable for adults and children aged 8 & over (children must be accompanied by a participating adult).

Small harps will be provided for groups of up to ten students in these informal and friendly hour-long workshops, and by the end of each session we will be able to play a short traditional piece together. No previous musical experience necessary. Book early!

Sat 17 Sept, 11.30am-12.30pm. Tickets £5 (Child £2)

Sun 18 Sept, 1.30-2.30pm & 3-4pm. Tickets £10