Winter Warmers!

Christmas saw our current UPLIFT calendar draw to a close, and boy did the UPLIFTS come thick and fast! Here’s a roundup of all the events and activities that’s brightened up our winter.

 

The Live arts Cafe went retro with an all 80’s inspired evening! It was neon galore with fluorescent doodling and live visuals created by Creative Recovery artists. Never ones to shy away from fancy dress, the leg warmers came out and participants danced the night away to 80’s classics, playing video games and enjoying a sausage, cheese and pineapple cocktail stick!

As we approached the festive period, UPLIFTERS got together in preparation for our Christmas event, the Gathering. The Resound gang provided a sing-along soundtrack as participants made lanterns which would light up the Town and beautifully decorate our magical venue.  Then on the notoriously named ‘Mad Friday’ we had our alternative nite out as we gathered together for a soul warming, reflective, creative sharing UPLIFT style. Our flash mob of lantern holders made their way through the town centre to gather around the street piano where we joyfully sang our hearts out to Christmas carols! The parade made its way to St. Mary’s Church where we continued our festive celebrations with music from Resound, open mic session, poetry readings, pizza and dancing!

 

The festivities culminated in a weekend of festive tree dressing and camp cardboard! It was festive fun for all the family as Mums, Dads, Grandparents and children got to work with Creative Recovery artists to create something beautiful for the Christmas trees on site at Barnsley favourites, Cannon Hall, Elsecar Heritage Centre and Worsbrough Mill, followed by carols around the tree.  Camp cardboard offered a slightly different take with a cardboard takeover in the Cannon Hall ballroom! Den building on a huge scale with a festive twist and buckets of imagination! With tunnels, grotto and lights a plenty!