Thursday 8th to Monday 12th May 2008 saw the Big Dress in Sheffield...

Thursday 8th: Big Launch Day

• Press and VIP Launch (3pm): Hear from the Mayor, cut the ribbon and launch the Big Dress!
• Gig* (7pm) Legends ‘The Gentlemen’ perform and find out why the world’s biggest dress is in Sheffield.

Friday 9th: Big Art Day

• Exhibition (10am-10pm): A collection of work on ‘Worth’ including installation and animation and sculpture. Contribute to our dynamic community art-piece installed in the Big Dress exploring generosity by bringing and receiving an item of personal worth.
• Workshop (1.30pm) Learn about the garment industry and alternatives for us as consumers, explore the beauty of the natural and make your own garments with textile and fashion experts!
• Arts Evening (7pm) Performances by Wordlife, Jon Bilbrough, Dennis Jones, exhibition on theme of ‘worth’ with installations, music and dance performances by local artists.

Saturday 10th: Big Open Day

• Open Day (10am - 4pm): Ethical Marketplace, Swap-shop, and festival fun all day with Flying Teapots
• Debate (3pm) A debate on corporate accountability with Ruth Valerio, MEP Diana Wallis and representatives from politics, charities and business.
• Party feat. MixMaster Morris* (7pm) Socially-conscious party in unique venue with Chillout psychedelic ambient DJ.

Sunday 11th: Big Sunday

• Christianity and Justice? (10am): Explore how faith connects to campaigning, get equipped with theologian Ruth Valerio
• SPEAK Workshops (2pm) Get equipped, try new things out like justice drumming.
• Just Fair Laughs Comedy Night* (7pm) feat. Tony Vino and Andy Kind

Monday 12th: Big Community Day

• Schools Morning (9am): student-run workshop with Sheffield school kids.
• Forum for Campaigning and Charity Societies (1pm): Share your successes, your vision for next year, and network with other students like you!
• Closing Ceremony (6pm) with University Gospel Choir. Say goodbye Big Dress, and hello fresh action for global justice!

*Events start at 7pm, entry £3 unwaged / £4 waged, tickets available from Sheffield University Box Office from the end of April. Or contact SPEAK for more information: E: speak@sheffield.ac.uk T: 0207 249 4309

Asha Rogers from the Sheffield Speak group tells us a bit more about their vision for the festival...

We're incredibly excited, and positive about it, although we are aware of how massive a project hosting the Dress is, and so, really want to encourage everyone in the network to join us and share in the responsibility and the rewards. It's a fantastic opportunity to model in an often individualistic culture, what it means to take collective responsibility, and be part of an inclusive community that looks beyond its own needs and into the potential for social, personal and spiritual change.