A virtual disco and karaoke night is just one of the fantastic free events on offer when the City of Port Phillip Seniors Festival kicks off on 1 October.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, this year’s program is entirely online. Run in conjunction with the Victorian Seniors Festival, there are 16 events, celebrations and activities from 1-17 October.
The virtual disco on 1 October, run by entertainer David Sharples on Zoom, will include singalong sessions with lockdown themed songs from the 60s-80s. On-screen lyrics will make it easy to sing along – all without having to leave home.
Mayor Louise Crawford said this year’s Festival launch coincides with the International Day of Older Persons and the EveryAGE Count’s Inaugural Ageism Awareness Day.
“Earlier this month, our Council agreed to join the EveryAGE Counts campaign to end ageism and join with others to create a society where every person is valued, connected, and respected, regardless of age,” Cr Crawford said.
“I’m looking forward to signing this pledge at the Virtual Disco to further demonstrate our Council’s support for a world without ageism. We hold this festival every year to promote positive ageing and to recognise the many contributions our older residents continue to make to our community so I’m delighted everyone can still connect and celebrate online despite the pandemic.”
The Festival closes on 17 October with the 17th Port Phillip Writes: Senior Festival Writing Awards.
This afternoon of literature includes the announcement of Judges Awards and special guests will read entry excerpts.
In between, events include cultural presentations by the local Russian community, Russian
associations and the Shalom Association and a U3A seminar on Victoria’s COVID-19 response with Health Minister Martin Foley as the keynote speaker.
The program also includes a virtual stroll around a section of the Elwood singing walking trail, led by singers from the Elwood Community Choir, a journey to discover artist Mirka Mora’s St Kilda and a Switchboard Victoria event aimed at connecting Lesbian/Bi+, Trans and Non-Binary people over 50 with each other and with services that will support and affirm individual, unique journeys as we age.
To register and view the full 2021 program, go to:
https://www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/media/wuudfuh2/seniors-festival_2021-program-min.pdf
The fun continues in 2022 when subject to COVID-19 rules, Council will present a complementary program, the Seniors Summer Series. Information about this celebration, to feature in-person events and activities which could not be presented in October, will be available early next year.
