Awaaz programme will include series of work and events inspired by South Asian arts and culture.

We are exciting to announce a South Asian arts programme that will include a dedicated series of events all inspired by South Asian arts and culture.

Awaaz, meaning voice or sound, will launch in February and include a series of workshops, activities, events, play-readings and research and development projects, which will be part of the Octagon’s calendar across the year.

More details of the full programme are to be announced in coming weeks, but the venue have revealed information on the first collection of events, a series of taster workshops, which are on sale now.

On Saturday 1 February explore the Indian spiritual practice of Yoga in a practical workshop Yoga Traditions: Honouring the roots of Yoga and its origins, using Prana breathing techniques and setting an intention for finding peace by stilling the mind and connecting with inner light meditation. Open to all levels, this 90-minute workshop will be led by certified Health & Happiness Coach, Yoga Teacher, and Meditation Guide, Priya Narsai-Punam.

Discover the ancient Indian technique of Mirrorwork (shisha or abhla) in a creative Embroidery Workshop on Thursday 5 February. This craft technique of attaching small mirrors to fabric can be used for decorating clothes, home decor and accessories. Participants will learn to work shisha mirror stitches and combine them with other Indian embroidery stitches.

On Saturday 8 February learn how to play the popular Indian percussion instrument and come along to the Tabla Drumming Workshop. Used in classical music and in popular and devotional music across the Indian subcontinent, learn traditional Asian drumming rhythms in this interactive session.

Discover the magic of movement and take part in a joyful and energetic Bollywood Dance Worksopon Saturday 15 February. Learn how to dance like the Bollywood film stars and learn a selection of moves from this iconic and traditional Indian dance form.

All taster workshops are priced at just £3.

With more events and activities to be announced, the full programme will see special celebration events for Holi and Eid, wrap around activity for MACFest – an annual festival that celebrates Muslim arts and culture, family activities for World Book Day as well as other workshops and taster sessions throughout the year.