The Southmead Festival is so special to our community. With its long history it’s one of the stand-out days in our local calendar.
In recent years the Trust has had the pleasure of hosting and coordinating the Festival at the Greenway Centre – both an honour and a huge responsibility; even more so this year as we returned cautiously after a two-year Covid absence and felt an additional drive to put on a really good day.
And how it did return! On Saturday 13th August, under the blazing summer sun, we had a magnificent day. It was a joy to see so many people from all around the community come together and enjoy themselves – to play, to relax, to dance, to eat, to sit, to laugh – together.
Being together again was a favourite part of the Festival for many people who attended.
It is a truly community-run day and wouldn’t come together without the support and ‘can-do’ spirit of so many people. It was a pleasure to be a part of and we really want to thank everyone below who truly made it happen.
- The staff and legion of volunteers from the Trust, including the Greenway Centre team, the Ranch Youth and Play team, the Greenway Gym and with special mentions for Karen Green and Stephen Haddow.
- Our brilliant photographers Mark Holbrook and Martin Twomey.
- Deana Perry, Mike Murch and the crew for their fundraising throughout the year. This allowed us to provide free kids’ rides on the day – a wonderful gift.
- Everyone who donated and contributed to the raffle – some amazing prizes this year with £945 raised for future festivals and local projects.
- Southmead Rugby Club, Café des Amis, Raised in Bristol Nursery, and our stallholders in the Pre-loved and Craft Fair.
- The full diversity of performing artists and entertainers.
- All our lovely partners and community groups: Bristol Bears Foundation, Bristol Libraries, Bristol Rovers Community Trust, SS Great Britain, Travelling Kitchen, Avon Fire & Rescue Service, Bristol Waste, Travelling Teapot, and Southmead Churches Together.
- Giuseppe and his Ice Cream van – it’s thought to be at least his 25th Southmead Festival at least.
- And finally, a huge thank you to everyone for coming!
Here’s to next year. Do get in touch if you would like to lend a hand putting the next one together or if you or your group want to play a part in the day itself. There is always room for more!
Watch the photo reel>
What a few of you said:
- “Everyone says bad stuff about Southmead but there’s no trouble here!” – David H
- “Great to get together and see people you know from the past” – Danny
- “Really surprised it’s so big with so much variety” – Sue
- “Really good but I’d like to see more stuff for men” – David C
- “Love seeing everyone back together” – Carol
- “Free stuff for kids good, funfair too pricey though. More shade please!” – Alicia
A review by Dawn Payne (Southmead Resident)
What a scorcher, the weather was the best ever. Plenty to entertain everyone. The children all were happy with the rides. Travelling Kitchen gave out lovely fresh fruit. Churches Together gave out lovely cups of tea – well appreciated. Line dancing wow – how did they do that with the heat, well done! Food by Glen, a lovely chilli and salads. Bill was on top form again playing the organ – he was on fire, matching his shirt! All the tables consisting of toys, homemade cards and crafts – a very good selection. Janet made coconut ice, very yummy. I had a table for the awareness of sepsis, people were interested. Bring it on for next year. Thank you to everyone who made all this possible.