A brand-new diversity event called Into the Mix is coming to Tore Abbey in Torquay on Saturday 6 July. Taking place on the exterior lawns of the abbey and in the Spanish Barn, the free, inclusive event is aimed at bringing diverse people and communities together to celebrate through music, dance, making, food, spoken word, performance, participation, information, stalls and more.
Running from 10.30am till 5.30pm, Into The Mix will feature two stages of live music and entertainment including multi-award-winning Devon folk singer/songwriter Jim Causley, Torbay’s own Wren Choir/Torbay Folk Choir and African, Reggae and Latin sounds from Wendy and the Coconuts. The Spanish Barn is being run by music students from South Devon College, adding to the programme with several talented performers from their pool of singers and musicians.
A second stage on the steps in front of the Abbey, with the colourful and infectious Samba Roc Band opening proceedings in the morning. They will be followed by the likes of Riviera Sound, Taiko Journey, the Hummingbirds, Polonia Polish dance and music and African drumming and dancing from Shumba Arts. There will also be some fun participation on offer including Tai Chi, Bollywood and urban dance.
Another highlight will be the spoken word area, where people will share stories, informative chats and poetry, featuring Amimbola Alao, Malaika Kegode and Tom Denbigh and many others. The programme will also include a talk on swimming and mental health, Drag Queen Story Time and a history of the Rainbow Flag and its importance to the LGBT+ community.
There will be a whole range of activities for people to enjoy including a wellbeing area with workshops and information, and a creative family zone, where participants can enjoy storytelling and making activities with Creation Myth Puppets to build something for the closing parade at the end of the day. The festival will also feature information stands and food outlets, although please note that the event will be alcohol free.
Nathalie Palin, one of the team of producers bringing the event together said: “Into The Mix has been developed with so many different voices in the community – it’s going to be a wonderful, colourful, celebratory day. We really hope that people bring along family and friends to relax, enjoy, explore, dance and celebrate together.”
Into The Mix has been made possible by a whole host of community organisations and groups who have met to develop ideas and contribute to the day. The event has been made possible with funding and support from many different agencies and organisations including The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon & Cornwall, South Devon and Torbay Clinical Commissioning Group, Willmott Dixon Construction Devon and Cornwall Police Diverse Communities Team, Arts Council England, Plymouth & Devon Racial Equalities Council, Imagine Torbay’s Multicultural Group and The National Lottery Community Fund (Awards for All).
Into The Mix Festival, Torre Abbey, Torquay. Saturday 6 July 2019. 9.30am – 5.30pm. For more information visit the website at www.intothemix.org.uk and follow us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/IntoTheMixFestival and on Twitter at www. twitter.com/mix_into
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