We held our first ever Life, Death (and the Rest) event with hundreds of visitors enjoying the film, talks and exhibitors over four days here at Arnos Vale.

Liz Rothschild really did illustrate to us as to how to live Outside the Box; “we are in uncharted territory when we sit with death,” she said during her sold out one-woman show, “and did you know that it is legal to bury a human corpse in your garden – you can actually bury up to three!” A warm, large-hearted piece of theatre that reminded all the audience of the terrifying inevitability of death, and the comforting possibility of choice.

Lucy Coleman Talbot, the author of Little Book of Maudism opened up our Harold and Maude night with images of her tattooed feet featuring the main characters of the film. “Harold and Maude is as funny as a burning orphanage’ she quoted as she clearly displayed her love for this vintage classic.

On Sunday there were over 20 exhibitors, who successfully stimulated our visitors into having honest conversations about death and dying. How would you like to be laid to rest? When you’re gone are you just gone, or would you like to have a say in the event that celebrates your life? These questions and more were asked whilst wandering from stall to stall, contemplating whether you’d like your ashes sent up in a firework with Pyrotastic or permanently embedded into a record with And Vinyly.

Our next Life, Death (and the Rest) event will be on 22nd – 25th February 2018. If you would like to get involved feel free to contact Adela on bookings@arnosvale.org.uk