What an afternoon! The rain did not stop stall holders, performers, or residents turning out in force. Around 250 people braved the rain to come and take part in a celebration of all the good work that happens for nature and the climate in Lockleaze.
Incredibly, we think the event was even bigger and better than last year in the baking sun! We were able to retreat from the rainy square into Lockleaze’s two big community venues on the square – the Hub, and St Marys and St James Church – big thanks to the Church for letting us use their venue. It was cosy, and a touch chaotic, but full of great community atmosphere.
We filled the Hub with stalls, and our brilliant Lockleaze Youth Climate Action Group, led by Jody Cook from Unfold Community Arts showed their wonderful films, including “Treasure? The Collection” and a serious of short films using stop-motion animation. Residents told us the films inspired them to “litter pick in my own community” and “reduce my own plastic waste”- well done team. Watch them here.
The festival was one of our Community Feasts, so everyone who attended got a welcome picnic bag with samosas, and other snacks.
The Youth Climate Action Team led our fancy dress “Flower Power Bee” Parade, with the Lord Mayor, and the RSVP Bhangra band drumming at the front, followed by 60+ residents around Gainsborough Square. RSVP Bhangra taught us to dance to their wonderful Bhangra music in St Mary’s Church, and this was followed by local residents talking about their nature action stories, and the Slug Band leading a lively ceilidh!
Massive thanks to all our volunteers who made this event so wonderful, especially Val and the rest of the ladies providing tea and refreshments, and raising £100 for the Lockleaze Community Panto!
Thank you also to all our brilliant stall holders & performers:
DJ K Anthony, The Slug Band, RSVP Bhangra, Circus Antics Entertainments
Avon Wildlife Trust, Lockleaze Neighbourhood Trust, Really Wild Lockleaze, Bristol Bike Project, Coo Geller, Horfield Greenary, Stoke Park Community Group, Street Goat, Susan Pywell, Bristol Nature Telemetry, Green Potionista, the CHEESE project, ResNet, Stoke Park Primary PTA, World Change, Compass, Retrofit West, Let the Brook Breathe, Save Soil, Bristol Rail Campaign, Steve England, Harriet, and Izzy.
Please enjoy these photos from the day:
This festival’s main funder was the Bristol City Council Nature Together Project, via the Heritage Lottery. Community Feasts are funded through our Lockleaze Together Project, through Bristol Impact Fund, and the National Lottery. Lockleaze Youth Climate Action Group are funded through OVO Foundation.
