A DAY of music, theatre and arts will be taking place in Bedford Square, Tavistock, to coincide with the crucial environmental decisions being taken in Johannesburg, where world leaders will gather for the Earth Summit.
The 'Earth Celebration Day' in Bedford Square, between 10.30am-4pm on Saturday, August 31, will aim to create a local response to the Earth Summit as part of a worldwide celebration.
The day is hosted by Tavistock Green Umbrella group, which promotes environmental and sustainable development, and is supported by West Devon Borough Council. Audience participation will be part of the fun at the multi-media event.
The Earth summit for world leaders, running from September 1-11, is the follow up to the Rio Earth Summit of ten years ago. While many important international agreements and protocols, including Agenda 21, grew out of the summit, campaigners say it cannot be left to the leaders alone.
Nicki Chambers, co-organiser of the event said: 'The Earth Celebration Day is part of a world-wide event called the 'People's Summit'.
'People all over the world are creating events to celebrate their environment and culture and we are delighted to provide a venue for people in Tavistock and West Devon to join in these celebrations.'
A group of young people from Devon will be at the Earth Summit with UNEAD — United Nations Environment and Development — to represent Devon Youth.
Tavistock Mayor, Cllr Ken Sanders, will open the event which will begin with local drumming teachers Andrew Dawson and Linda Aiano inviting everyone to join in with the percussion.
Theatre will include a comedy game show around social and environmental issues, a display of flag dancing and singing by church groups, circus performers, a
celebration of the seasons involving children and adults, and a ceremony walking in a spiral through the history of our universe and beyond.
Community artist Maggie Squires will be holding an art workshop and is inviting people to literally paint with the earth. Everyone is invited to bring a handful of their garden soil to paint a community installation for West Devon's Nine Days of Art later this year. Devon band Walk Your Talk will be performing at mid-day.
Church volunteers are providing Fair Trade and locally-produced food at the Parish Hall, where there will also be a travelling exhibition from the Bradford Peace Museum on Nobel Peace Prize winners.
Volunteers of any age or ability are wanted for a short theatre production by Chris Holland, based on a celebration of the season.
To take part or find out more about the rest of the programme contact Tania Seldon on 01822 618923 or Nicki Chambers on 01579 371162.