Shindig

Live and Local is Worcestershire's rural and community touring scheme. It brings professional artists to village halls and community centres around the county, usually places which don't usually see live performances. There is a wide range of events for all ages, with performances ranging from comedy to cabaret, from dance to drama, from poetry to puppetry.

The scheme is named Shindig because each performance should be a celebration of what a community can achieve. The County and District Councils subsidise the performances and manage the scheme, enabling local communities to stage and promote a high-quality arts event.

Local promoters are given a "menu" of possible events of all shapes and sizes for which to bid. Once their bid is accepted and agreed, the promoter puts on a professional performance suited to their local venue and community and sells tickets to it. It's that simple. Well, almost. The finances are a little more complicated, but we make it as simple as possible and in most cases the promoter covers costs and the artist is paid a fee they are happy with.

First and foremost, expect a good night out without having to travel for miles. Every act that appears is carefully selected, programmed and is guaranteed to be top-notch. A Shindig performance is also a great opportunity to meet other people in the community and to see live arts in an unusual setting.

On 1 January 2011, Live & Local took over the management of Shindig, Worcestershire’s successful rural touring scheme. The scheme brings professional live artists to village halls and community centres across the county. There is a wide range of events for all ages, with performances ranging from comedy to cabaret, dance to drama and from poetry to puppetry.

Like the Live & Local schemes in Derbyshire, Staffordshire and Warwickshire, the Shindig programme ishosted by voluntary promoting groups who sell tickets locally, supported by our small office team and local authority arts officers. The scheme is subsidised by Arts Council England, Worcestershire County Council and the local district and borough councils in the county.

We are all really enjoying the current season. Sarah, Marketing Office at Live & Local, says, “It has been a real pleasure getting out to new venues and meeting promoters and their communities. They have all been so kind and welcoming and we’re really enjoying getting to know everyone”.

Join the mailing list so Live and Local can keep you up to date with the latest news and shows: www.shindig.org.uk

You can also keep up to date with all the latest Shindig news on the blog: http://shindiglive.wordpress.com/ 

To find out about events in your area or to request a What’s On Guide, please contact Suzanne on (01926) 402173 or suzanne@liveandlocal.org.uk

Please go to our Events and Performances page where you will find details on the latest Shindig Tour in Wychavon

For more details of performances please contact Jenny Davis on 01386 565396 or email jenny.davis@wychavon.gov.uk.