ArtsFest , the UK’s largest free arts festival hits the streets, squares, theatres, pubs and open spaces in Birmingham from Friday 8th to Sunday 10th September 2006 - and organisers are giving dozens of volunteers the chance to get involved. Hundreds of performers from the world of music, dance, theatre and film come together for the Birmingham City Council festival that attracts over 100,000 people each year, to entertain in a spectacular showcase for all to enjoy. ArtsFest now have an opportunity for volunteers to get involved with the best of the city’s talent as they take to the stage and street. Each year more than 150 volunteers from cleaners to accountants drop their tools and abandon their every day professions to help with the event. Volunteers are required to work in a variety of roles including looking after artists, marketing and promotion and production roles between now and the event. As well as great fun, it’s a valuable experience for many volunteers going on to forge careers in the arts sectors and event management. Perhaps the most dedicated volunteer to date, Judith De Freitas has volunteered for ArtsFest for the last 6 years. Only a move back to Madeira, where she is about to start her own free arts festival has prevented her from taking part this year. If you are interested in becoming an ArtsFest 2006 volunteer please contact Rose Manley on 0121 464 8310 or e-mail rose_manley@birmingham.gov.uk This year the festival is launched with an explosion of colour, dance and music as BhangraFest takes to the main stage in Centenary Square on Friday 8th September.
 Performances then take place in the city’s main squares and venues over the weekend. Saturday evening sees the return of Big Voice² for the second year running. The innovative community choral project features up to 1,000 singers from across the region ranging from professional choirs such as the Ex Cathedra and the City of Birmingham Symphony Chorus to amateur singing groups and individuals who will perform a specially commissioned composition. Other highlights include the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party hosted by Birmingham Rep, The Visual Arts Village on Eastside Green and arts and craft workshops at Brindleyplace. Also look out for the Young People’s Showcase and BBC Blast bus in Victoria Square where children can experiment with their own broadcasts. For the second year Birminghammusic.com present the best of Birmingham’s up and coming bands, as they battle it out for a prime slot on the main stage. Councillor Ray Hassall, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Sports and Culture said: “ We are delighted that ArtsFest is now in its 9th year and going from strength to strength. It’s a fantastic showcase for all the great talent and creativity that exists in the West Midlands and it offers a superb day out." Full programme details will be available shortly. For up to the minute information about ArtsFest join our mailing list , visit the ArtsFest website at www.artsfest.org.uk or call the ArtsFest Office on 0121 464 5678. | 
