By Isle of Wight Observer
Mountbatten Hospice will be holding a week-long festival looking at the issues around death, dying and bereavements which will include a series of performing arts, workshops and events.
The Art of Dying Well will include a parade in Ryde on November 2, celebrating the traditional Mexican approach to death as a day of celebration rather than grief. It will be followed by a mask and sugar-skull making workshop and a Mexican meal and an event at Monkton Arts in East Street in Ryde.
Nigel Hartley, Mountbatten’s Chief Executive, said: “We know and understand why death and dying are challenging subjects for many people, mostly due to fear, denial and a lack of knowledge. Encouraging conversations about death and dying is part of our work at Mountbatten and we hope the Art of Dying Well will support and give confidence to people to start some important discussions.
“We are all going to die and planning ahead for that time means less certainty, more comfort and carrying out our wishes. I would like to thank the wide range of people who have been involved in supporting us to make this event happen. We believe it is such a vital issue, one that can make such a positive difference to people at what can be a very difficult time.”
There will be a Death Chat at Mountbatten and a tour of the Isle of Wight Crematorium, before a concert at Newport Minster featuring the Mountbatten choir on Wednesday, November 6.
The programme will be available from Mountbatten Hospice, Mountbatten shop, Ryde and Monkton Arts, Ryde. It can also be downloaded at mountbatten.org.uk/Pages/Category/art-of-dying-well.
Isle of Wight Observer