Phenomenal fashion show to launch 50+ Festival
26/07/10
Aberdeen's 50+ Festival, an annual three-week programme of activities for the city's 50+ age group, will be launched with a fresh, new and exciting event this year.
Aberdeen's 50+ residents were called to the catwalk by the council's 50+ events officer, Alice Brooks, who recently held open auditions to find local people to take part in a new fashion show event to get the festival under way.
More than 30 men and women of all shapes and sizes were chosen from the auditions held in March at the Beach Ballroom, ranging in age from the youngest model of 50 to the oldest model, aged 82. The models will undertake a number of rehearsals and fittings between now and the show on 25 August.
John Lewis, Bon Accord Centre, McCall's Highland Wear, OurDay Bridal and the Body Shop will provide garments, hairdressing and make-up for the fashion show, on 25 August. Alice has arranged for the models to be joined on the day by Las Vegas style showgirls from city centre dance school, Danscentre.
Alice said: "The first rehearsal brought a tear to my eye, to see the 76-year-old lady who called me to say she was frightened to come to the rehearsal but, would like to take part. She smiled nervously, as she took to the catwalk showing age is no barrier, it's a state of mind and a bit of confidence.
"Following her was the 82-year-old man who looked so proud to be able to say 'I still count'.
"The 35 local people taking part in this fashion show are a shining example of our city residents who might just put Aberdeen on the map."
Baritone singer Peter Morrison will make a special guest appearance at the 50+ Festival launch fashion show, performing a selection of Frank Sinatra and Rat Pack songs, while Multi-Ethnic Aberdeen (MEAL) will bring an ethnic twist to the event by presenting their vibrant, colourful saris and showing Indian-style wedding attire on the catwalk.
The Beach Ballroom will undergo a glamorous transformation for the event with a specially constructed catwalk; red and black-themed table dressings and a giant red stiletto which will provide a stunning backdrop to the stage.
Tickets for the 50 + fashion show at the Beach Ballroom on 25 August 2010, are on sale now at Aberdeen Box Office.
Aberdeen's 50+ Festival runs from 13 September to 6 October as part of the 50+ activities programme. It is provided for people aged 50 years and older who live within the city and is funded from the Common Good Fund.
To find out more or to download the programme, visit www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/Events/eve/eve_50plus_activityprogramme.asp
Events/activities
A huge selection of activities and events will be available throughout the city as part of the 50+ Festival, including:
•the first laughter therapy workshops to be held in the city;
•festival dinner for 200 Aberdeen Hilton Treetops;
•World War II Bus Tour with actors on board;
•dolphin watch;
•a flash mob performance by Scottish Ballet's Regenerate and Citymoves;
•free reflexology sessions;
•astronomy;
•talks at the Town House on subjects including volunteering with Childline, ageing, macular degeneration, neuro-linguistic programming; respiratory disorders;
•a range of afternoon entertainment at Union Square and the Bon Accord Centre including musical performances, Swedish exercise demonstrations and dance performances;
•international entertainment at the Carmelite Hotel Tuesday 24th September 2010 provided by renowned musician Roberto Enzo and Grammy nominee singer/songwriter Jerry Harmon;
•jazz lunch with five piece jazz band Marisha Addison at the Hilton Aberdeen Treetops hotel.