Cohesion Plus are delighted to be working with Same Sky and Crawley Borough Council on The BIG Seven-0, Crawley’s flagship 70th birthday event, which takes place in the town centre on Saturday 25 November from 1.30-6pm.

Independent artists and community groups have been exploring the cultural heritage of the town – past, present and future – working with Cohesion Plus and Same Sky. Schools and community partners including Oriel High School, Our Lady Queen of Heaven and The Foyer have been amongst the organisations involved in the build-up.

This major, family event, funded by Arts Council England, will include a colourful carnival-style parade featuring local artists, bands and community groups. It will celebrate the diversity of Crawley followed by an exciting stage programme, lights and a firework finale in the Memorial Gardens.

The parade route around the town centre goes from The Broadway, then the Historic High Street before finishing in the Memorial Gardens. With up to 400 people participating, plus dancers and drummers, it promises to be a fantastic spectacle.

The stage will feature local and professional artists, headlined by renowned Ed Sheeran tribute act Jack Shepherd as well as performances by Mark Lees, Ace Academy of Irish Dance, Four by Four Bhangra Dancers, Drumbeats African Drumming and Versme Lithuanian Folklore Dance Group. The festival will be opened by Falco and the Hawks Jazz Blues.

A community marquee will house stalls for community groups and there will be food stalls along Queensway.

For further information please visit www.crawleybigseven0.co.uk