Story by Rob Smith
On 8th September 2004 all roads led to the Wensley estate. There was music and live stage entertainment on the new BNDfC truck, with No Excuse heading the bill.
Craft stalls, information and games blended with jugglers and clowns on stilts. While alongside the sports activity van, a Sports Network driven football tournament took place.
The arrival of the Lord and Lady Mayor, Mike Pye and wife Josephine, saw them greeted by organiser of the event Panni Loh alongside Councillors Jackie Drayton, Ibrar Hussain and Steve Jones.
“This is a wonderful turnaround for Wensley,” said Cllr Drayton. “What we need to see is continuity. Maybe an annual festival here.”
“I’d never believe I’d ever see the Lord Mayor on Wensley!” claimed two young lads before being allowed to have their photos taken with the Lord and Lady Mayor.
I could see many organisations had put in a lot of effort – setting up information and activity stalls. This went a long way to help make this event a worthwhile success.
Panni Poh Yoke Loh, GCA Events Co-ordinator, said:
“The Wensley Street Autumn Festival was a wonderful event, the sun was scorching and thousands of people came. Local residents came out of their houses to join together enjoying stage music and dance, circus and craft workshops, with the backdrop of Wincobank Woods and Sheffield Centre in the distance. As the sun was setting children and families went home relaxed and happy.”