PLANS for this year’s Bridgnorth Children’s Festival are forging ahead with a range of superb activities almost finalised despite the difficult financial climate.
The festival – the largest free-entry family-based event in the West Midlands – will be held at Oldbury Wells School on the Sunday and Monday of the August Bank Holiday weekend and organisers are expecting bumper crowds again for the fourth year in a row.
Festival chairman Stephen Derges, said: “One of our primary aims in organising the festival is that it should be as low cost as possible. That means we have to raise substantial sums through grants, sponsorship, donations and fundraising activities.
“We know that local businesses are finding it tough and whilst some have been very generous we are aware that cutbacks have been made. However we’re determined to make sure that the festival is as enjoyable as it has been in previous years although if anyone wishes to help us financially details can be found on our website.”
This year as usual there will be arts, entertainment, sporting, fun and community zones together with a secure area for under fives. As well as a great variety of bouncy castles there will be some more spectacular inflatables and other fun items such as sumo wrestling, gladiator duel and other new activities.
Festival coordinator Mark Gibbon said: “Each year we’ve tried to bring in new activities for families to try out. Last year we had a climbing wall for the first time and this year, thanks to the Army Cadets, it will be free.
“Supplementing the inflatables provided by Bridgnorth Bouncy Castles, our friends from Xtreme will have a four-ring bungee trampoline. It’s always been a favourite and this year it will be even more spectacular.
“In the Entertainments Zone, Bridgnorth’s very own Disco Daddy will be linking a range of storytellers, magicians, dance and circus skill artistes. We’ll have Petwise Zoo and the Animal Woman plus birds of prey and donkeys from the local sanctuary.
“In the arts area the Crazy Comic Club are returning and we’ve linked up with SP8 for Art – the Mark Speight Foundation who will be helping to develop creative works. Plus we’ve pottery, card and T-shirt making and the usual Big Art activities. There’s something for everyone at the festival.”
Although there are charges for some of the activities, these have been kept to minimum and all the sports, entertainment and skills workshops are free.
Stephen Derges said: “We had a marquee at Burwarton Show where we were able to showcase what we have to offer and meet some of the families that have been to the festival in previous years. We’re also going to be at Chorley Show this coming Sunday with Bridgnorth Bouncy Castles – so come along and find out what’s going to be on offer.”
T
he Festival is also looking for more volunteers to help with the practical tasks in setting up and taking down and during the festival itself.
Please log on to the website or call Karen Gibbons on (01746) 764151 for more information.