Arts and cultural groups are pooling their talents to help bring people together online through the coronavirus pandemic.
#WatfordTogether will see the town’s arts, entertainment, heritage and cultural organisations work together to create activities people can do in their own homes.
It will include cultural activities, events and competitions that will give people plenty to do to keep them both physically and mentally active as well as providing opportunities to connect with others who share similar interests and pastimes.
The full range of activities on offer can be found on the dedicated #WatfordTogether website – www.watfordtogether.co.uk - and on Facebook at facebook.com/watfordtogetheruk.
Both will be updated regularly with new ideas and things to do. The website includes information on activities run by local people, listings for activities for children and adults from around the world, mental health support and an events calendar.
Elected Mayor of Watford Peter Taylor said: “It’s fantastic that even during these very difficult times people in our town are able to pull together to support one another. It’s one of Watford’s strengths, the togetherness we all feel and the pride we have in our communities.
“I hope this new initiative will help raise people’s morale and keep our town together. I also want to thank the many different groups who have made this possible and who are supporting everyone in our community. A huge thank you to our partners who responded to the call: Watford FC, Watford Palace Theatre, Pump House Theatre, Rifco Theatre Company, Watford BID, Visit Watford and West Herts College.”
Brigid Larmour, the artistic director and chief executive of Watford Palace Theatre, said: “We are proud to be collaborating with our friends and partners across the town on this brilliant initiative by our council to bring people together.
“At times like these, community and communication is everything, and there is an incredible array of talent, experience and goodwill getting connected here. #WatfordTogether gives us all a connection with each other, and with a wonderful range of creative activities to get involved with and online content to enjoy.”
Just as importantly, #WatfordTogether also recognises culture will be a positive force in helping the town rebuild its confidence, enthusiasm and sense of community spirit once the country looks to recovery. Work is already underway on planning events for when lockdown is finally over and people can celebrate together again.
The team behind #WatfordTogether is also doing what it can to support the town’s thriving creative industry through the coronavirus outbreak. Many are self-employed and freelancers, thereby among those facing financial difficulties as events are cancelled and people stay home in the midst of the crisis. To find out more, visit watfordtogether.co.uk
If anyone wants to add any events or activities to the current programme, please contact communications@watford.gov.uk.
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