On Thursday 12 February 2009, for 24 hours, cities around the world will be hosting “Twestivals”, volunteer-run, fundraising events for people who know each other through the micro-blogging service Twitter.com.

Inspired Twitter communities are making plans to come together through the power of the internet. Twitter users from every continent will be forging local and global connections, to raise money for a good cause and in the spirit of fun, change, charity and communication.

The global event, described as “a ‘tweet-up’ with a social conscience”, will be raising money to support charity: water, a not-for-profit bringing clean and safe drinking water to people in developing nations.

There are currently over 100 cities officially signed up to participate, including London, Paris, New York, San Francisco, Toronto, Vancouver, Edinburgh, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Beijing, Sydney, Melbourne, and Lima.

Meanwhile Twestival also offers a great opportunity for noncapital cities to host events, allowing for a wide spread of regional networking within countries, states and regions. City representatives keen to participate, give their time to the cause – and have a great night – continue to come on board; so for the full and changing list of cities, or to get involved yourself, go to www.twestival.com.

The event has formed global sponsorships with selected partners including Amiando and TipJoy who will be donating funds and resources to the event.

In London where the first Twestival was held in 2008, will play host to 500 at East London’s Shoreditch studios, tickets will be available via London’s city page on www.twestival.com.

Amanda Rose, one of the organisers of Twestival, said “We’re already blown away by the global reception and how keen people are to invest their time and energy for free, to the Twestival and get behind charity: water. Social tweet ups like this are a great way to meet the faces behind those avatars while raising a lot of money for a fantastic cause. Twestival is organized 100% by volunteers and 100% of all event proceeds will go directly to support charity: water projects in developing countries, which will positively impact the lives of thousands.”

charity: water commented: “We are beyond excited, this is such a fantastic event for charity: water in both scale, and nature. The need for, and right to clean water is universal, so I’m delighted we’re a cause that the international Twitter community is embracing”

#twestival
#twitter

charity: water Official Website

Twestival Official Website

Twestival.fm – Twestival Music! Bands and artists are currently volunteering music. Go to the website for more information.

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