Sing, dance, and make a noise this half term in Torrington

Torrington Library’s Big Silly Singalong at the end of October (Saturday, October 28, 10.30am) promises a morning of family fun – and costs just £2.

Libraries Unlimited, the charity which runs libraries in Devon and Torbay, is staging the event as a low-cost half-term highlight for families looking for something for the children to enjoy – and to burn off some energy!

Children aged four and over are invited along with their parents and carers. Southwest-based music creator Laura Loft will be joined by musicians Jay Scott-Hamilton and Katie Scott-Hamilton from the Big Music Collective for the event. They’ll be performing and inviting little ones and families to join in on instruments including African percussion, boomwhacker percussion tubes and djembe drums, alongside the dancing, singing and moving.

Torrington Library Supervisor Kate Greaves said: “The gig will take place in the Castle Community Centre in the gardens behind the library, and we want to fill the space with noise and silly songs! People can sing, play and dance to some well-known favourites and new fun songs. Families will get the chance to try new instruments and get creating music together.”

“Playing music, singing and dancing have been scientifically proven to boost wellbeing. We’re really excited to welcome Laura and Big Music Collective who have a fantastic reputation for getting children and families moving, laughing and feeling good. And importantly the cost of the event won’t break the bank.”

The Big Music Collective create engaging, immersive and interactive performances for children to get involved with.

Laura Loft said: “We passionately believe in the power of creativity to support wellbeing. And if there is ever a time to be supporting our young people's wellbeing it is now. The effects of the multiple lockdowns and now the cost of living crisis have had an impact and children need support with their emotional wellbeing.”

The event is part of Libraries Unlimited’s ‘Get Creating!’ season, which itself is part of an ongoing programme of high quality community events running in libraries from 2023 to 2026 being rolled out with funding from Arts Council England.

Book tickets (£2 plus booking fee) for the Big Silly Gig at Torrington Library on Eventbrite here, www.librariesevolve.org.uk/events/the-big-silly-gig-torrington. Torrington Library is situated on Castle Hill, EX38 8AA, sharing the site with the Tourist Information Centre, the Town Council, Citizens Advice and a cafe, as part of a multi agency complex in the town.