Since 2004 Manchester has held an annual Full of Life festival to celebrate age. Over the course of a week events are held across the city, both locally and in the city centre. The festival is an opportunity for residents to access information from around 80 organisations. The festival has grown in popularity each year. In 2007 around 3000 older people from across the city attended events at the festival including:
- a Question Time style debate at Urbis
- workshops focused on learning and culture opportunities in the city
- stands and events from diverse local communities and other community groups
- medical and falls prevention advice
- a fashion show hosted by Marks & Spencer
'The annual events have been very successful. It is really good to see bus loads of older people taking over the square and the town hall. It has reminded our older residents that the city is for them too. The festival has also really helped us (the council) with hearts and minds.'
Director