Following the success of the Spring ‘In Your House’ programme, The Library Presents is back for a brand-new Autumn season of free events for Cambridgeshire.
The new season, starting on Friday 16 October will include over 80 theatre, dance, music, comedy, puppetry and magic events. Much of the Autumn season will be available online to tie in with Covid-19 safety measures, however there will also be some small live performances in several outdoor locations across Cambridgeshire.
The programme, which provides something for everyone, regardless of ages and interests, usually takes place in Libraries across the county. However, with safety measures in place due to COVID-19, the new season has been launched by Cambridgeshire County Council to allow residents to watch, and participate in high quality arts and culture performances and workshops from the comfort of their own homes.
Musical highlights include: ‘Dancing Jukebox Gems’ by the talented Wriggle Dance Theatre, a live music performance which will be touring Cambridgeshire towns to take residents on a trip down memory lane through dance, music and song. Audiences who prefer to stay at home can watch online vocal concerts, which will be themed around musicals, vintage songs, and opera highlights.
In celebration of Black History Month, The Library Presents will be sharing a number of special performances, including radio drama ‘A Waltz in New Orleans’ by Lucas Keen on Cambridge 105 Radio on 17 October at 3pm, as well as three dance films and Q&A sessions with the artists, which audiences can access online. There are also a number of programmed events for deaf and neurodiverse participants.
Councillor Steve Criswell, Chairman of the Communities & Partnership Committee said: “It is great to see The Library Presents is offering over 80 free events for people across Cambridgeshire to enjoy and supporting the local communities during this time. The programme usually hosts art activities in Libraries across the county, but due to safety measures the team is finding other ways for people to continue to access great arts events and activities. It’s set to be a great season.”
The programme also features a variety of exciting workshops. Back for a third season is Garlic Theatre; participants can join the friendly duo as they guide families on how to make their own puppet show. Those who enjoy arts and crafts can learn how to make some cheerful origami and papercraft wall art with Zen Pulp to brighten walls at home or outside.
Although the Spring season of events was cancelled due to COVID-19, the digital events helped people stay connected during lockdown. One participant commented on her experience: “I knew nothing about the [Quarantine Quilt] project until a small cardboard box arrived at our house. To sew my patch was very enjoyable and I loved being part of something much bigger.”
All Cambridgeshire libraries have now reopened and are offering a free Select and Collect Service. Residents can return books, pick up pre-ordered books, or use a pre-booked computer.
There are still a wide range of library services available to access from home and the team is reviewing the offer and looking into when they can safely enhance library opening hours and access. Look out for information on library windows and online at Library Live.