Festivals go back to the community

With New Deal funding gone and Green City Action stepping down as event organisers, Burngreave residents are taking back their community festivals and running the events with volunteers.

Abbeyfield Festival will take place on 5th July 2009 and Fir Vale Fun Day on 19th July 2009. Funding for both events has drastically reduced, and this will have an impact on what the events will be like. Previous events have relied on paying performers and organisers, but this year it will all have to be done on a shoe string.

Organisers of both events feel this will bring it back to what it is meant to be about – the local community, working together and showing off their talents.

Ivor Wallace of Page Hall Community Association is part of the group making Fir Vale Fun Day happen, he said:

“We are so grateful to Fir Vale School for letting us use their facilities and thankful to the pupils who are keen to be involved and for responding to our call for ideas for the Fun Day. It feels so good that we are able to provide an event for Fir Vale; it feels even better when the community can come together to make it happen”

Steve Gayle from Burngreave Community Action Forum has been helping residents come together around Abbeyfield Festival, he told the Messenger:

“I’m pleased at the commitment shown by local people to ensure that Abbeyfield Festival takes place. It will be a day to celebrate all the good things about Burngreave.”

Local organisations such as the Pakistan Advice Centre, Wensley TARA, Ellesmere Youth Project and the Rock Christian Centre, have been offering their skills and support to make the events happen. The festivals have also received the backing of service providers like Sheffield Futures, Sheffield Homes, South Yorkshire Police, local schools and Activity Sheffield.

Both festivals are looking for help and support, and for people to take part. It’s hoped this year will be the start of the return of old style festivals, where everyone feels they can contribute.

Also coming up is Firth Park Festival, organised by residents. It takes place on Sunday 28th June 2009 from 1–6pm in the Park. This year it includes community stalls, food, music from Son Para Todos, Irish and Arabic Dancers, Latif’s Kick boxing demonstration and Circus activities. Contact Betty on 243 2604.