Candles, art, cabaret are all being planned in Blackburn with Darwen to celebrate World Aids week which runs from November 27 to December 4.
Celebrations begin on Wednesday, November 24, with the Red Ribbon Cabaret, which was a sell out last year, at the Thwaites Empire Theatre. This year’s theme is ‘playing it straight’ with performances from local artists.
Tickets are £11 and proceeds from the event go to Thrivine, the East Lancs HIV support group and East Lancs HIV Prevention Partnership, which aims to educate young people and adults about HIV and AIDS.
On Saturday November 27, outside Blackburn Town Hall young people will be singing and dancing and you’ll be able to decorate glass jars for the candlelit vigil and see the ‘positive’ art which will be on display in Blackburn Cathedral.
Volunteers will also be handing out red ribbons and providing information about HIV/AIDS and local businesses in Blackburn town centre will also be supporting the week.
December 1 is World Aids day and BBC Radio Lancashire’s Sally Neadon show from 11am to 1pm is taking the theme ‘living with HIV and AIDS.’ Allan Clinch will be talking about prevention and Adrienne Seed will be talking about the Thrivine support group. The audience will be made up of young people and adults who have taken part in World AIDS week projects and there will be a forum for questions and answers.
And finally, the moving World AIDS Day vigil will be held once again at Blackburn Cathedral, starting at 7.30pm on December 2. A candlelit ceremony will be held outside the Cathedral followed by a procession and a display of ‘positive’ art work in the crypt celebrating life for people who are living with HIV.
This will be followed by a service in the cathedral which will continue with the theme of celebrating living with HIV as well as providing a time to remember those who are no longer with us. Blackburn Cathedral Choir will be singing alongside guests who will also support the service.
More information is available from www.worldaidsday.org/
