This winter’s season of arts events in Paignton library promises fun, creativity and a focus on a sustainable future in a warm welcoming community space.
The ‘Better Tomorrow’ season is part of a three-year programme of creative offerings being rolled out by Libraries Unlimited in Devon and Torbay this winter.
The charity, which runs the 54 libraries across the county, secured a £720,369 grant from Arts Council England in 2022 to boost its thriving programme of music, films, workshops, and high-quality community events between 2023 and 2026. ‘Better Tomorrow’ will focus on a sustainable future and the natural world. Thousands of people have already enjoyed the dozens of workshops, performances, art, and music events that have been staged so far on two themes – ‘Pride of Place’ and ‘Get Creating!’.
This winter season will offer the Torbay community the chance to try everything from Christmas cookie decorating to ventriloquism, along with a children’s disco and a barn dance.
The sessions kick off in December and run through until March. Similar events are being held in Exeter and Barnstaple libraries.
Rae Hoole, Creative Communities Producer from Libraries Unlimited, said: “Libraries are fast becoming key venues for arts events in Torbay. Our Arts Council England funding has enabled us to dramatically expand the number and range of events we’re able to put on, reaching even more people and keeping costs low. Winter can be an isolating time, with worries about fuel costs and the colder weather, which makes it the perfect season to get out and get together in the warm, welcoming space of a library. We hope we’ve laid on something for everyone with old favourites and some surprises!”
Events for ‘A Better Tomorrow’ are listed below.
Please note that there may be a small additional booking fee for those booked via Eventbrite.
EVENTS AT PAIGNTON LIBRARY
Classical Concert for Children
Thurs 12th Dec
11am
Donations
Families
Duo Tutti (Alex Wilson and Ruth Molins) combine well-known classical tunes, unusual sounds and new music to create unique concerts that are entertaining and accessible to all. Inspired by old and new music they create sound worlds you might not expect to hear from a flute/piano duo.
The concert is a free drop-in session lasting approximately 45mins – perfect for pre-school children, but kids of any age are welcome!
Christmas Cookie Decorating
Sat 14th Dec
11am – 1pm
£12
Aged 16+
Enjoy a Christmas experience not seen in the library before – learn how to decorate Christmas themed cookies in this two-hour workshop with Stefanie from Sweet Art Bakery. Decorate three bauble cookies with stunning designs and take home boxed. Whether you are a beginner or looking to learn something new, the workshop is for all abilities and is a great workshop to enjoy with friends and get into the Christmas spirit.
Give it a Go Day
Thurs 14th Jan
10am – 5.30pm
Donations
All ages
January is a great time to find a new hobby, club or activity. Groups from all over Torbay will be holding taster sessions to give everyone a chance to find something new to do, including Zumba, ventriloquism, art and lots more.
Lunar New Year
Sat 2nd Feb
11am – 1pm
Donations
All ages
Celebrate the Lunar New Year with crafts, activities and dancing for all. The wonderful Hikmat CIC will be performing Chinese Line Dancing. Although the event is free, donations to the library would be greatly appreciated.
Futureproof
Sat 8th Feb
10am – 2pm
Donations
Families
Thanks to the success of last year’s Eco Takeover, ‘Futureproof’ is back for another year at Paignton library. There will be a fun activity at every table to join, with the aim of making the planet fun for every generation. There will also be pre-bookable shows including animal Meet and Greet with South West Animal Services.
Diddi Disco – Movie Magic
Sat 22nd Feb
2 – 4pm
£4 per child
£1 per adult
For children 4 to12 years old and their adults
Move to the movie music as the very popular Diddi Disco returns. Dancing, crafts and games plus a surprise visitor. A quiet room with soft play for little ones to enjoy.
Library Takeover – Scary Little Girls
Sat 8th March
6pm- 9.30pm
£8pp
Suitable for 18+
When chocolate was first brought to England in the 1600s, it was considered a taboo substance, enjoyed only by the risque and elite in private salons. Some of our finest literature was also once considered too provocative for public consumption and was heard in similar salon environments by only the boldest of ears. Join us as performers from Scary Little Girls recreate these intimate environs. Performed, read and sung to you by highly acclaimed storytellers, the Salon du Chocolat invites you to succumb to a literary seduction!
Ceilidh Barn Dance
Sat 15th Mar
7 – 9.30pm
£8 per adult £4 per child
Adults, but children can attend with them
Get your dancing shoes ready as our Ceilidh Barn dance is back! After the sold-out success of last year, the wonderful professional live caller Jeremy and the incredible live band Amber Fire will be returning to Paignton library. Bring your own drinks as all that dancing is thirsty work!
Libraries in Devon and Torbay are run by Libraries Unlimited, an independent staff and community owned charity. Join up for free by filling in the online form at devonlibraries.org.uk or torbaylibraries.org.uk. Follow Libraries Unlimited on Facebook.
For further information and full contact details please visit the web page librariesunlimited.org.uk
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