The Little Big Festival 3rd Birthday Party
The Little Big Festival, staged in Old Town’s beautiful Victorian Town Gardens celebrated its 3rd birthday on Sunday 24th April from 2 – 4pm. One of the best presents was new sponsorship from local estate agents Richard James who have given £1,000 towards running costs. “We are over the moon with this new partnership which will secure the future of the festival for the coming year,” said festival organiser Josie Williams, Community Arts Development Officer at Commonweal School.
“Richard James are proud to support the Little Big Festival in 2016 who, like us, share the same value for the people of Swindon.
We love being a part of such great events and are passionate about supporting our local community. We look forward to seeing you there!” said Tara Plaister from Richard James who handed out balloons to children on the day.
The afternoon, centered around the bandstand with speeches from Commonweal’s Head teacher Keith Defter and Robert Buckland QC MP Conservative Member of Parliament, South Swindon HM Solicitor General for England & Wales and the school's Arts patron. This was followed by the cutting of the birthday cake, children’s games (including a piñata), storytelling and music from Commonweal School and a ladies barbershop quartet called Chord en Bleu.
“We are so excited to once again be performing at The Little Big Festival. The series of events in the park is what helps make Old Town such a special place to live and work. Commonweal are very active in the local community giving opportunities to a wide range of ages and abilities in the borough of Swindon,” said Ali Sutcliffe Head of Performing Arts, Commonweal School.
The Wyvern Theatre team attendanded delivering children’s activities based on their upcoming production of David Williams’ Gangsta Granny. Younger children enjoyed stories about fairy folk with story teller Tracey Hewitt who also makes some amazing fairies! Partners Swindon Community Radio 105.5 recorded the event and are very supportive of the festival helping to promote the events on a weekly basis. Swindon Borough Council’s Swindon Does Arts initiative support the festival by spreading the word, so it is very much a community event.
There were also art exhibitions and demonstrations by local artists. This is coordinated by festival volunteer Caroline Day who is herself a brilliant artist. Artists taking part were: Emily May, Tracey Hewitt, Rosie Leather, Caroline Day, Mammy wagon, Terry Humphries, Susan M D Carr, Carmen Norris, and Swindon Open Studios.
Festival background info
The idea for the festival was born from the enthusiasm of Commonweal Head Teacher Keith Defter who was inspired after he visited Bryant Park in New York who host all manner of activities for the local people. When he returned from his holiday he asked Josie Williams the school’s Community Arts Development Officer to arrange something similar in Old Town.
“I said of course Keith leave it with me! I then spoke to Caroline Day who coordinates the Old Town Garden artists and she embraced the idea and has been an absolute godsend getting artists on board. Carol Watts who runs the Town Gardens Café is also a partner and helps book bands alongside Nick Weaver from Commonweal School. Martin Hambidge from Swindon Borough Council has given support in terms of a storage unit and display boards for our posters and What’s On guide.
Throughout the season local people are encouraged to perform, or run workshops and taster sessions for the enjoyment of the local people.” Said Josie. For further info on how to get involved tel Josie on 01793 427860 or email [email protected]
“Richard James are proud to support the Little Big Festival in 2016 who, like us, share the same value for the people of Swindon.
We love being a part of such great events and are passionate about supporting our local community. We look forward to seeing you there!” said Tara Plaister from Richard James who handed out balloons to children on the day.
The afternoon, centered around the bandstand with speeches from Commonweal’s Head teacher Keith Defter and Robert Buckland QC MP Conservative Member of Parliament, South Swindon HM Solicitor General for England & Wales and the school's Arts patron. This was followed by the cutting of the birthday cake, children’s games (including a piñata), storytelling and music from Commonweal School and a ladies barbershop quartet called Chord en Bleu.
“We are so excited to once again be performing at The Little Big Festival. The series of events in the park is what helps make Old Town such a special place to live and work. Commonweal are very active in the local community giving opportunities to a wide range of ages and abilities in the borough of Swindon,” said Ali Sutcliffe Head of Performing Arts, Commonweal School.
The Wyvern Theatre team attendanded delivering children’s activities based on their upcoming production of David Williams’ Gangsta Granny. Younger children enjoyed stories about fairy folk with story teller Tracey Hewitt who also makes some amazing fairies! Partners Swindon Community Radio 105.5 recorded the event and are very supportive of the festival helping to promote the events on a weekly basis. Swindon Borough Council’s Swindon Does Arts initiative support the festival by spreading the word, so it is very much a community event.
There were also art exhibitions and demonstrations by local artists. This is coordinated by festival volunteer Caroline Day who is herself a brilliant artist. Artists taking part were: Emily May, Tracey Hewitt, Rosie Leather, Caroline Day, Mammy wagon, Terry Humphries, Susan M D Carr, Carmen Norris, and Swindon Open Studios.
Festival background info
The idea for the festival was born from the enthusiasm of Commonweal Head Teacher Keith Defter who was inspired after he visited Bryant Park in New York who host all manner of activities for the local people. When he returned from his holiday he asked Josie Williams the school’s Community Arts Development Officer to arrange something similar in Old Town.
“I said of course Keith leave it with me! I then spoke to Caroline Day who coordinates the Old Town Garden artists and she embraced the idea and has been an absolute godsend getting artists on board. Carol Watts who runs the Town Gardens Café is also a partner and helps book bands alongside Nick Weaver from Commonweal School. Martin Hambidge from Swindon Borough Council has given support in terms of a storage unit and display boards for our posters and What’s On guide.
Throughout the season local people are encouraged to perform, or run workshops and taster sessions for the enjoyment of the local people.” Said Josie. For further info on how to get involved tel Josie on 01793 427860 or email [email protected]