With a jam-packed programme of events set to bring the county closer, FestivALL will take place from Thursday 17 May to Sunday 17 June 2018.
Here we speak to Jessica Waterman from Barnwood Trust who is one of the forces behind the month-long celebrations.
Tell us what FestivALL is all about?
FestivALL is a month of free local events offered by all kinds of groups in and around Gloucestershire which are open to everybody. FestivALL is about bringing people together in communities across our county, celebrating difference and making sure everyone feels welcome across ethnicity, faith, ability, sexual orientation, class, age and gender.
Where did the idea come from?
We frequently have conversations with individuals and groups who want to create opportunities for people to come together. Barnwood Trust alongside Gloucester Diocese and African Community Foundation started thinking about how we might bring that energy together under one FestivALL banner.
This led to more and more groups getting involved with the idea. The exciting part about that for all of us is that so many people, places and organisations in our area are passionate about being welcoming and inclusive. Hopefully FestivALL shines a light on that.
What will the highlight of FestivALL be?
From our perspective no single event or activity will be the focus. From parties, music concerts and photography exhibitions, to nature trails, coffee mornings and workshops; the highlight will be people of all backgrounds joining together to have fun up and down the county.
Is there something for children and grown-ups to do?
A FestivALL Launch Party held in the grounds of Gloucester Cathedral will be a great family outing. Visitors are invited to bring along picnics and to join in with the live music, dancing, face-painting, sports, circus skills, crafts and much more.
But that is just one of the many events, there will be something for all ages in the FestivALL line up. It’s also not too late to add an event of your own. As long as all people are welcome to attend, it can be included under the FestivALL banner.
Finally, what are you most looking forward to for the events?
We are most looking forward to seeing what happens next. We hope that relationships ignited by the project will continue to develop and that more and more people in communities find creative and fun ways to come together. FestivALL is just one month, growing connections and welcoming others can happen all year round.
For more information, see FestivALL, call (01452) 410022, visit festival.org directly.
