Death and dying - it's time to talk

Organisers are gearing up to welcome the Pushing up Daisies Festival to Todmorden this weekend.

The community grown event aims to make space for difficult conversations around death and dying. The festival begins on Sunday, May 8, with a puppet show by Thingumajig Theatre in Todmorden Community College at 3pm. The Grand Festival Opening Party, from 4pm at the Fielden Centre, will showcase local poet Winston Plowes, one woman performer Ellie Harrison, improvisers Threadbear Theatre and Todmorden’s own 3 Valleys Gospel Choir.

Both events are free, as are nearly all of the 34 events throughout the week. On Thursday, May 12, at Todmorden Health Centre from 4pm, Professor Allan Kellehar, 50th Anniversary Chair, End of Life Care at the University of Bradford, will deliver a talk.

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“Allan is one of the world’s leading voices in community engagement around end of life and he will be talking to us about The Compassionate City Charter,” said Sue Robinson, one of the organisers. “This is a list of actions that small towns and cities commit to when supporting residents with serious illness, caregiving and loss.”

There will be films at Todmorden Library on the following days. All are free, just book a place at www.ticketsource.co.uk, and search for “Todmorden Library”. Wednesday, May 11 4pm (PG) – Cria Cuervos; Friday, May 13 4pm (15) – Chronic;

Saturday, May 14, 11am (12) – Death of a Superhero; Saturday, May 14 2pm (PG) – Mr Holmes.

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