The Little Big Festival
Calling all clubs, musicians and workshop providers, would you like to promote, or showcase your activities to a wider audience for free? If so, why not consider holding a taster class, a gig, or a workshop at The Little Big Festival in Old Town’s Town Gardens. The Little Big Festival runs most weekends from April through to September mainly in and around the Bandstand.
“This festival is very much about the people of Swindon organising their own events under the Little Big Festival banner. We can help promote your event, but it is very much about people taking ownership and building communities,” said Josie Williams, Community Arts Development Officer at Commonweal.
Throughout last three seasons families have had the opportunity to watch a wide range of bands from semi acoustic ballad driven material through to rock and concert bands. People have taken part in yoga, Zumba and jogging. Others have partaken of story time, knitting, chess, dance, art and sport whilst others have simply enjoyed the beautiful gardens and tea and cake in the Victorian styled café.
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]
“This festival is very much about the people of Swindon organising their own events under the Little Big Festival banner. We can help promote your event, but it is very much about people taking ownership and building communities,” said Josie Williams, Community Arts Development Officer at Commonweal.
Throughout last three seasons families have had the opportunity to watch a wide range of bands from semi acoustic ballad driven material through to rock and concert bands. People have taken part in yoga, Zumba and jogging. Others have partaken of story time, knitting, chess, dance, art and sport whilst others have simply enjoyed the beautiful gardens and tea and cake in the Victorian styled café.
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]
Please visit our Facebook page for up to the minute info. https://www.facebook.com/TownGardensLittleBigFestival/