LIVE THEATRE: Grandad Anansi
2025-11-01 15:00 - 16:00 (Europe/London) | SpArC Theatre
An uplifting tale of love, courage and letting go.
“A colourful, amazing production” The Guardian

Abi and her Grandad tell each other Anansi folktales. They play games as they work together in the garden among the beautiful flowers and tasty vegetables. As they plant memories, they share secrets and develop a bond that nothing can break. Grandad is as smart and mischievous as the wily Anansi legend. Can he find a way to tell his granddaughter about his plans to return to Jamaica, his beloved homeland?

★★★★”Storytelling, and its extraordinary power, is at the centre of the piece” Sardines
Join our intrepid characters in this humorous and heartfelt intergenerational adventure, as they step into the unexpected. With evocative live music, Grandad Anansi is an uplifting tale of love, courage and letting go.
Written by award-winning children’s author Elayne Ogbeta, Grandad Anansi is a Half Moon and Z-arts co-production: an exciting collaboration by the UK’s leading small-scale young people’s venue and touring company and Manchester’s award-winning venue for children and families.
“Half Moon are creating important, beautiful and powerful work for young people” Children’s Theatre Reviews
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LIVE MUSIC : No 1 Ladies Accordion Orchestra
2025-11-08 19:30 - 21:30 | SpArC Theatre
Link for booking is direct with the orchestra.
JOIN US FOR A DELIGHTFUL EVENING WITH CAKE !!
Any misgivings about this particular instrument (particularly played en masse) were well and truly banished. We were treated to an amazing range of tunes played with great skill and enthusiasm by the No 1. Ladies Accordion Orchestra, comprised of no less than 15 accordions and one drum kit. The accordions are arranged in sections, each taking different parts to produce a seamless combination of interesting melodies and harmonies. During the second half, the introduction of a basso accordion added an outstandingly beautiful resonance and depth to the overall sound.
In a wide-ranging repertoire, pure joy was to be had from the group’s accomplished rendition of the fabulous Astor Piazzolla’s ‘Liber Tango’, played with great style and energy. Other musical influences included jazz, blues and Eastern European music with one of my favourites, a Macedonian piece called ‘Jovano Jovanka’, hidden in the midst of a Jewish folk dance. Some familiar tunes, such as ‘Loch Lomond’ and ‘Scarborough Fair’, were interestingly arranged and well produced, and Robbie Burns’ ‘A Fond Kiss’ was set to music with heartrending effect. I also loved the ‘Beguine for Bert’, a melodic and gentle piece written and arranged by the orchestra’s leader, Jane Ward, which demonstrated well the accordion’s capability for subtle harmonies, crescendos and diminuendos.
The accordions (mostly 120 bass and with a wide range of reeds or ‘voices’) come from Italy, whilst their players are from all over the UK. They meet approximately six times a year to engage in intense weekends of music making and rehearsal (apparently interspersed with much jollity and fine dining) in order to put on performances such as this one.
By the end of the evening, the audience had been treated to a unique and detailed tour of the accordion, with all its quirks and intricacies, through both the music and some informative banter between numbers. Those of us who have one languishing in a cupboard somewhere should retrieve it, dust it down and start playing again, preferably with as many other accordions as possible!

The Royal Ballet: La Fille Mal Gardée
2025-11-09 14:00 - 16:30 | SpArC Theatre
Screening Via Satellite
Escape to the countryside with Frederick Ashton’s ballet about a capricious girl who hopes to marry her love. Brimming with humour and choreographic invention, La Fille mal gardée is the perfect ballet for all the family.
Lise, the only daughter of Widow Simone, is in love with the young farmer Colas, but her mother has far more ambitious plans for her. Simone hopes to marry her off to Alain, the son of the wealthy proprietor Thomas. Desperate to marry Colas rather than Alain, Lise contrives to outwit her mother’s plans.
65 years after its premiere, The Royal Ballet presents Frederick Ashton’s La Fille mal gardée. This affectionate portrayal of village life combines exuberant good humour and brilliantly inventive choreography in what is undoubtedly Ashton’s love letter to the English countryside. La Fille mal gardée whisks us away into pastoral bliss with Ferdinand Hérold’s cheerful score and Osbert Lancaster’s colourful designs.

LIVE MUSIC : WILL BARNES QUARTET - OUTSIDE THE LIGHT TOUR
2025-11-14 19:30 - 21:30 | SpArC Theatre
★★★★ “Springy deftness… Cool precision… Serious chops…” Andy Cowan, Mojo
“Playfulness and invention throughout” Soweto Kinch, BBC Radio 3
Fresh off the success of their debut, Outside the Light—a powerful new set of original jazz. Inspired by the wild beauty of Mid Wales, their sound is sharp, lyrical, and rhythmically bold. With deep musical connection and refined touch, the quartet invites you into a world where emotion and improvisation flow as one.
Following the critical acclaim of their debut album Source of the Severn, the Will Barnes Quartet returns with Outside the Light—a bold and expressive new chapter in their artistic journey. This second album deepens the group’s exploration of the interplay between jazz improvisation and the evocative landscapes of Mid Wales and the Welsh Marches. Through a collection of original compositions, the album weaves lyrical beauty with intricate rhythmic interplay.
Adults £15 Under 18 £5
Group Ticket 4 adults available £50

Afternoon Film: The Last Journey (PG)
2025-11-18 14:00 - 15:30 | SpArC Theatre
7.8 IMDB
An emotional and hilarious story with a life-affirming message, The Last Journey is a cinematic experience that explores a loving son’s attempts to coax his aging father into reengaging with life by embarking on a joyous, heartfelt road trip through the South of France.
In Swedish with Subtitles
Tickets £4 Carers FREE
Supported by Arts alive & the Friends of Bishop’s Castle Community, Care Home and Hospital.
Tea & Biscuits £1 Accessible Cabaret seating/no steps/ hearing loop/ /local Free Bus available

LIVE MUSIC : Širom
2025-11-20 19:30 - 21:30 | SpArC Theatre
“Širom fashion maximalist avant-garde soundscapes from antique acoustic instruments like the balafon and hurdy gurdy. Their artfully rootless roots music makes an impassioned statement both aesthetically and, more opaquely, politically too.” — Uncut
The Slovenian avant-folk trio Širom are back with a sonically and thematically expansive 5th album; a thrilling follow-up to their widely praised 2022 release The Liquified Throne of Simplicity. Navigating almost two dozen instruments (some of which they’ve handcrafted), and hypnotic compositions that often exceed ten minutes in length, Ana Kravanja, Iztok Koren and Samo Kutin court patient, deep-dive listeners via intricately woven atmospheres, rhythms and sonics.
In the Wind of Night, Hard-Fallen Incantations Whisper is arguably the sharpest evocation yet of the group’s highly collective music process, enveloping rustic melodic folklore, outernational textures, non-linear song structures and dissonance, and a buzzing ambiance that can at times feel like an ecstatic ritual.
Few experimental ensembles from the last decade have created an ouevre as singular and unmistakable as that of this far-sighted trio from the disparate landscapes of Slovenia. Širom truly sound like no one else.
Ana Kravanja: violin, viola, ribab, qeychak, balafon, frame drum, chimes, various objects, percussion, fipple flute, voice
Iztok Koren: banjo, three-string banjo, gembri, morin khuur, balafon, percussion
Samo Kutin: hurdy gurdy, bass harp, harmonium, lyres, frame drum, tampura brač, brač, lute, chimes, balafon, acoustic resonator, various objects, voice

Adults £15 Under 18 £5
Group Ticket 4 adults available £50

NTLIVE: The Fifth Step (15)
2025-11-27 19:00 - 20:30 | SpArC Theatre
The Fifth Step
by David Ireland
Directed by Finn den Hertog

★★★★★ ‘Raw, excruciating and alarmingly funny’ Daily Mail

★★★★ ‘Jack Lowden and Martin Freeman are superb’ Financial Times

Olivier Award-winner Jack Lowden (Slow Horses, Dunkirk) is joined by Emmy and BAFTA-winner Martin Freeman (The Hobbit, The Responder) in the critically acclaimed and subversively funny new play by David Ireland.
After years in the 12-step programme of Alcoholics Anonymous, James becomes a sponsor to newcomer Luka. The pair bond over black coffee, trade stories and build a fragile friendship out of their shared experiences. But as Luka approaches step five – the moment of confession – dangerous truths emerge, threatening the trust on which both of their recoveries depend.
Finn den Hertog directs the provocative and entertaining production filmed live from @sohoplace on London’s West End.

SpArC Christmas Prize Bingo
2025-11-28 19:00 - 22:00 | SpArC Theatre
SpArC Christmas Prize Bingo
Fun packed evening for all in aid of our beloved SpArC. Lucky Squares, Raffle, Great Prizes- Refreshments. £12 for 10 games, 6 cards per game.
No Booking- pay on the day
Cash & Card accepted.
Doors 7pm Eyes Down 8pm

LIVE THEATRE: PENGUINS
2025-12-01 11:30 - 12:15 | SpArC Theatre
Tickets for the 11.30am performance

PENGUINS- JAM JAR THEATRE
A brand new sensory show for children, co-created with young imaginations, and housed within a giant inflatable igloo. Little ones will discover the world of penguins and learn about their changing home in this joyful festive treat .

Noah loves penguins (almost as much as he loves David Attenborough) but something strange has happened to their home… and he needs your help to find out why! Jump under the bed covers and with a sprinkle of imagination whoosh off to Antarctica inside an inflatable Igloo.

Get ready for snowball fights silly hats and maybe even a cheeky seal or two as we waddle off on a frosty adventure to meet the penguins and discover what’s happening to their icy world.
A fun, festive and interactive show for Little Explorers age 3 to 6- Join Noah on an exciting adventure with playful story telling, interactive fun and plenty of giggles -bring your biggest imagination and your warmest socks.

About Penguins is an innovative production designed to tour rural areas, within a pop-up igloo! Conceived through direct collaboration with young people, the show is inspired by their insightful, optimistic responses to the pressing issue of climate change and explores current efforts and actionable steps to mitigate its effects.
Max of 30 People per show as it is inside an inflatable Igloo!

BUILD A BAND JAM
2025-12-02 18:30 - 20:00 | Unnamed Venue
Youth Jam session, come and play some music with other people-
We will have Drums, PA, a couple of guitar Amps and guitars- you are welcome to bring your own instrument.
You can watch , join in if you want
Led by local musician and engineer Dunk Burns .
For young people who are interested in playing music with other people

We want to see who is out there and what they are interested in doing and if there is anything we can do to help- cause its not easy!

Church Barn Bishop’s Castle 6.30pm

1.5-2hrs but depends how many we end up with I guess.
FREE
Just Turn up
Age 11 +

The Roses (15)
2025-12-04 19:00 - 21:00 | SpArC Theatre
Dark comedy – Life seems easy for picture-perfect couple Theo and Ivy: successful careers, a loving marriage, great kids. However, a tinderbox of fierce competition and hidden resentments soon emerge when Theo’s career nosedives and Ivy’s own ambitions take off.
” Olivia Colman and Benedict Cumberbatch unite for a marriage most foul. Two British national treasures play an increasingly unhappy couple who descend into slapstick loathing.” The FT
6.8 IMDB
Based on the 1989 film The war of the Roses

The Royal Ballet : The Nutcracker
2025-12-14 14:00 - 16:30 | SpArC Theatre
Screening Via Satellite
Journey into the magical kingdom and Light up your Christmas with Peter Wright’s enchanting production for all the family
The magician Herr Drosselmeyer is on a quest to save his nephew. Hans-Peter has been transformed into a Nutcracker doll by the wicked Queen of the Mice; the only way to break the spell is for the Nutcracker to defeat the Mouse King and find a girl to love and care for him. A flicker of hope comes to Drosselmeyer in the form of the young Clara, whom Drosselmeyer meets at the Stahlbaum’s Christmas party. With a swish of Drosselmeyer’s cape and a little bit of magic, a cosy festive gathering turns into a marvellous adventure.
Adults £15 Under 18 £5 Family £40

Afternoon Film: Four Letters of Love ( 12A)
2025-12-16 14:00 - 15:50 | SpArC Theatre
6.1 IMDB
Based on Niall Williams’ best-selling novel. Nicholas and Isabel were made for each other but how will they ever know it? As ghosts, fate and the sheer power of true love pull them together, so too does life threaten to tear them apart.
Starring Pierce Brosnan, Helena Bonham Carter, Gabriel Byrne.
Tickets £4 Carers FREE
Supported by Arts alive & the Friends of Bishop’s Castle Community, Care Home and Hospital.
Tea & Biscuits £1 Accessible Cabaret seating/no steps/ hearing loop/ /local Free Bus available

D&D Easter One Shot Game
2025-12-22 14:00 - 17:00 | SpArC Theatre
Enter the World of Dungeons and Dragons
Join Us for a special Easter game session!
Suitable for all levels
“Always wanted to play D&D but didn’t know how to begin? This “Learn while you Play” will focus on the three traditional “pillars” of RPGs: combat, exploration, and social interaction/roleplaying.
Official D&D Dungeon Master’s (DM) will be your teachers and guides
There will be pre-generated characters and the DM will work with the players to understand the character sheets for the adventure. For example, explain what a fearless fighter, a sneaky Rouge or even a highborn wizard can bring to the table . The DM will walk through combat and skill checks to provide the best experience for the game.”
Participants must be Age 11 +

FILM: Downton Abbey- The Grand Finale (PG)
2026-01-15 19:00 - 21:00 | SpArC Theatre
7.4 IMDB
We know you love Downton so we are screening it twice – This is the page for the evening screening Thursday 15th January 7pm
The cinematic return of the global phenomenon, follows the Crawley family and their staff as they enter the 1930s.
In the summer of 1930, the Crawleys grapple with the threat of social disgrace when Mary finds herself at the centre of a public scandal and the family faces financial trouble

The Royal Opera: La Traviata (Verdi)
2026-01-18 14:00 - 18:00 | SpArC Theatre
Screening via Satellite
At one of her lavish parties, celebrated Parisan courtesan Violetta is introduced to Alfredo Germont. The two fall madly in love, and though hesitant to leave behind her life of luxury and freedom, Violetta follows her heart. But the young couple’s happiness is short-lived, as the harsh realities of life soon come knocking.
As intimate as it is sumptuous, La traviata features some of opera’s most famous melodies, and is a star vehicle for its leading soprano role sung by Ermonela Jaho. In director Richard Eyre’s world of seductive grandeur, the tender and devastating beauty at the centre of Verdi’s opera shines bright.

Afternoon Film: Downton Abbey- The Grande Finale (PG)
2026-01-20 14:00 - 16:00 | SpArC Theatre
7.4 IMDB
We know you love Downton so we are screening it twice – This is the page for the afternoon screening Tuesday 20th January .
The cinematic return of the global phenomenon, follows the Crawley family and their staff as they enter the 1930s.
In the summer of 1930, the Crawleys grapple with the threat of social disgrace when Mary finds herself at the centre of a public scandal and the family faces financial trouble.
Tickets £4 Carers FREE
Supported by Arts alive & the Friends of Bishop’s Castle Community, Care Home and Hospital.
Tea & Biscuits £1 Accessible Cabaret seating/no steps/ hearing loop/ /Local Dial- a -Ride Free Bus available 01588 638 350

NT Live: Hamlet
2026-01-22 19:00 - 21:30 | SpArC Theatre
Hamlet
by William Shakespeare directed by Robert Hastie
Olivier Award-winner Hiran Abeysekera (Life of Pi) is Hamlet in this fearless, contemporary take on Shakespeare’s famous tragedy.
Trapped between duty and doubt, surrounded by power and privilege, young Prince Hamlet dares to ask the ultimate question – you know the one.
National Theatre Deputy Artistic Director, Robert Hastie (Standing at the Sky’s Edge, Operation Mincemeat) directs this sharp, stylish and darkly funny reimagining.

Castle Players Present: Robin Hood and the Great Creme Egg Heist
2026-02-13 19:00 - 2026-02-14 14:00 | SpArC Theatre
Friday Evening

Saturday Matinee

Saturday Evening

Robin Hood and the great creme egg heist
SpArC Theatre 13th Feb evening 7pm , 14th Feb matinee 2pm and evening 7pm
That folk legend and all-round superstar Robin Hood and his merry men (and cats) roam the leafy glades of Sherwood forest, seeking opportunities to rob the rich and give cash and jewels to the poor. Hood’s nemesis, the evil Sheriff of Nottingham is keen to get all that stolen money back to fund his ridiculous lifestyle.
Along comes a magic chicken that lays crème eggs by the hundred (except during thunderstorms when the frightened chicken has been known to lay a Curly Wurly or two). The chicken’s magic dance causes havoc with all that hear so cover your ears!

Add to the mix a very suspect Dame Edna lookalike, the marvellous maid Marion and her cleaner and confidante Nun Tucket, and you’ve got yourself a panto!

The Royal Ballet: Woolf Works
2026-02-15 14:00 - 17:00
The Royal Ballet: Woolf Works
Screening Via Satellite
Virginia Woolf defied literary conventions to depict rich inner worlds – her heightened, startling and poignant reality. Resident Choreographer Wayne McGregor leads a luminous artistic team to evoke Woolf’s signature stream of consciousness writing style in this immense work that rejects traditional narrative structures. Woolf Works is a collage of themes from Mrs Dalloway, Orlando, The Waves and Woolf’s other writings. Created in 2015 for The Royal Ballet, this Olivier-award winning ballet triptych captures the heart of Woolf’s uniquely artistic spirit.

Afternoon Film: The Secret Garden (PG)
2026-02-17 14:00 - 15:40 | SpArC Theatre
2020 Remake of this classic tale of an orphan girl who finds a magical garden on her Uncles estate. Starring Colin Firth and Julie Walters.
Supported by the Friends of Bishop’s Castle Community, Care Home and Hospital.
Tea & Biscuits £1 Accessible Cabaret seating/no steps/ hearing loop/ /local Free Bus available

An Evening of Film, Words and Music in Appreciation of the Apple
2026-02-19 19:00 - 21:00 | SpArC Theatre
An evening in appreciation of the apple :
Join us ,with Long Mynd Cider and the Poetry Pharmacy to celebrate this much loved fruit.
Live readings , Poems, song and cider drinking followed by a screening of:
The orchard of England: This heritage film brings together a wide-ranging and eccentric cast – farmers, Travellers, former apple-pickers, clergymen, wassailers, cider makers, fruit sellers – to explore the deep relationship between the people of Herefordshire its historic crop.

SCRAPTASTIC WORKSHOP
2026-02-20 13:00 - 15:00 | SpArC Theatre
FREE
Friday 20 February 1-3pm Bishop’s Castle Arts festival -SpArC Bishop’s Castle
Scraptastic workshop
Come and get creative- load of recycled materials to make whatever you can dream up.
Just Turn up and Make what you want
Unstructured scrap making session.
Loads of recycled materials to choose from!
All Welcome
Children under 9 must be accompanied by a willing helper.
FREE with donations to Bishops Castle Arts Festival

Live Music: The Bishop's Castle Orchestra
2026-02-21 13:30 - 15:00
Afternoon Concert
Saturday 21st February 1.30pm Bishop’s Castle Arts festival
Bishop’s Castle Orchestra
The Bishop’s Castle Orchestra Afternoon Concert
Join us for a lovely afternoon of music all welcome
Accessible and friendly No need to book- refreshments available- suggested donation £5

Arts Festival Ceilidh w/ This Way Up & Caller Jane Roberts
2026-02-21 19:30 - 22:00 | SpArC Theatre
This Way Up! are one of Shropshire’s own foremost Ceilidh bands with a big sound and unrivalled reputation for high energy. They are a multi instrumental 5 piece band, playing guitar, bass, melodian, sax, whistle, flute, banjo, mandolin and percussion with expert Caller Jane Roberts . Join us for music and dancing !
Saturday 21st February 7.30pm Bishop’s Castle Arts festival (

Join us for a wonderful evening of music and dancing !
Adult £12 Child £3

Live Theatre: The Ballad of Mulan
2026-02-28 19:00 - 20:30 | SpArC Theatre
Grist to the Mill and Red Dragonfly Productions Presents The Ballad of Mulan
The real Chinese heroine than inspired Disney’s films

‘If you love history and strong women, this performance is for you.’Broadway Baby (on The Ballad Mulan)
‘A brilliant performance… there is always new wisdom to be found even in the oldest of stories.’ British Theatre Guide (on The Ballad of Mulan)
‘A powerful exploration of gender, war, and identity, as relevant and timely today as ever’ Tupla Magazine (on The Ballad of Mulan)
‘Forget the Disney version – If you want to see a powerful performance by a great actress, and writer, go and see ‘Mulan’. Better still – take your daughter!’ HIDDEN GEM – FringeReview (on The Ballad of Mulan)
Woman, warrior, Legend. For ten years Mulan disguised as a man, has fought for the Chinese Empire. Now the fighting is coming to an end, one last battle and she will be going home – but can she return to her old life, become a woman again.
A search for identity in a violent world. From the team behind Edfringe Sell-Out ‘The Unknown Soldier’ Grist to the Mill and working in collaboration with British-East-Asian theatre company Red Dragonfly, we bring you the real Chinese heroine that inspired Disney’s animation and live-feature Mulan.
Don’t expect a fluffy Disney tale here, this Mulan is visceral. She is a warrior, a fighter, a woman who survived in a very male world for ten years without discovery. There is no perfect make-up, no singing animals, just a gritty story of a soldier. Michelle Yim (The Empress and Me and An Evening with Miss Wong) brings to life our heroine who, to save her family’s honour, disguised herself as a man and joined the Emperor’s army.

Commissioned by British-born Chinese Michelle Yim and written by Ross Ericson, whose play Casualties was nominated for an Off West End Award and whose solo WW1 show The Unknown Soldier officially sold out at Edinburgh Fringe 2016, has returned to the original text, the C6th Chinese poem on Mulan, and tried to fill in the gaps to explore the true identity of one of the most revered women in China.
The Ballad Of Mulan is produced by British East Asian theatre company Red Dragonfly Productions and Grist to the Mill Productions, who have championed new writing since 2012. The performance was developed with funding from Arts Council England.

The Royal Ballet: Giselle
2026-03-08 14:00 - 17:00 | SpArC Theatre
The Royal Ballet GISELLE
Screening Via Satellite

The peasant girl Giselle has fallen in love with Albrecht. When she discovers that he is actually a nobleman promised to another, she kills herself in despair. Her spirit joins the Wilis: the vengeful ghosts of women hell-bent on killing any man who crosses their path in a dance to the death. Wracked with guilt, Albrecht visits Giselle’s grave, where he must face the Wilis – and Giselle’s ghost.
Peter Wright’s 1985 production of this quintessential Romantic ballet is a classic of The Royal Ballet repertory. Set to Adolphe Adam’s evocative score and with atmospheric designs by John Macfarlane, Giselle conjures up the earthly and otherworldly realms in a tale of love, betrayal and redemption.

Live Theatre: Eyes Down
2026-03-12 19:30 - 21:30 | SpArC Theatre
Eyes Down

It’s Bingo Night at The Stairway To Heaven Social Club and that can only mean one thing: ‘Mr Razzle Dazzle’ himself, Bertie Bingo is ready to host an evening of dabbers, Droopy Drawers… and death!
As games are played, houses are called, tension mounts, and before long a body is discovered… but whose number is up? How culpable are the audience? What really happened to the previous caller? And more importantly… who will win the prize of the night
Eyes Down is a truly interactive comedy thriller where the audience play actual games of bingo, with actual prizes! Who will emerge as Top Of The Shop and who will end up the victim of The Unlucky For Some Killer?
Fresh from their hit tour of The Plot Thickens, Manchester based Just Some Theatre are thrilled to be bringing this new, exciting experience to audiences.

FILM: Deliver Me From Nowhere (12A)
2026-03-15 14:00 - 16:00 | SpArC Theatre
The booking link above will take you to The Courtyard to book tickets for SpArC as we are thrilled that this screening is part of the Borderlines Film Festival this year .

Bruce Springsteen’s journey : On the cusp of global superstardom, crafting his 1982 album Nebraska, which emerged as he recorded Born in the USA with the E Street Band as he struggles to reconcile the pressures of success with the ghosts of his past.

Afternoon Film: Save the Cinema (12A)
2026-03-17 14:00 - 15:50 | SpArC Theatre
Based on true story: A Welsh hairdresser starts a campaign With the help of a local politician, they approach Steven Spielberg with the idea to premiere Jurassic Park in a bid to save the cinema.
” 6.5 a moving story of hairdresser and theatre lover, Liz Evans, who campaigns in 1993 to save the ‘Lyric’ from closing down.” IMDB
Tickets £4 Carers FREE
Supported by Arts alive & the Friends of Bishop’s Castle Community, Care Home and Hospital.
Tea & Biscuits £1 Accessible Cabaret seating/no steps/ hearing loop/ /local Free Bus available
