Last Saturday (29 June 2024) over 2,000 people attended the new-look Hunslet Festival where they enjoyed an action packed day of entertainment and activities.
This was the first event arranged by a new team of organisers who have tried hard to build on the strong foundations laid here from an established event whilst renaming to Hunslet Festival and freshening up the occasion with some new ideas.
The field was bustling all afternoon with local people from all ages and backgrounds enjoying the feel good vibe and good weather.
Cllr Paul Wray (Labour, Hunslet & Riverside), part of the Organising Committee, said:
“This year’s Hunslet Festival was a fantastic event, with thousands of people from South Leeds and beyond enjoying themselves on Grove Road Recreation in Hunslet. It was an honour to play a small part in this year’s organising committee but the overwhelming thanks needs to be given to the other volunteer committee members who pulled off an amazing day.
“With a wider variety of stalls, food and activity then before, the festival has a bright future. The Council looks forward to working with the committee again next year to be help make the event even more well attended.”
New for 2024 was the Herd Farm Climbing Wall which provided young people with a free opportunity to climb up different routes on the wall. Despite the queues kids demonstrated great climbing skills and bucket loads of determination as they conquered the wall.
Long term favourite Rapide Entertainment also had a busy afternoon giving youngsters a chance to learn some Circus Skills including plate spinning, juggling and riding a clown bike!
Ellenbeck Farm was another new attraction and their adorable rabbits, guinea pigs, chickens and lambs were a real crowd pleaser.
Yorkshire Contemporary facilitated an interactive art play area with huge colourful cushions available to stack, lift, jump on and lie amongst!
Cycling UK delivered a range of free bike activities including learn to ride lessons, a canal path ride, bike safety checks and basic maintenance.
The Performance Arena had a schedule stacked full of local talent through a mix of dance groups, bands and Golden Team Gym providing a power-filled boxing demonstration.
Local businesses and community groups fundraising or information sharing we kept busy with customers in the stall zone.
Food stalls and the fairground delivered by Norths Funfair also had a successful day.
All in all it was a fantastic day with plenty of smiling faces around the event. Attendance was up on previous years with guests staying for the afternoon and soaking up the atmosphere.
Cllr Ed Carlisle (Green, Hunslet & Riverside) who attended the event said:
“It’s so good to see Hunslet Festival growing and evolving. Events like this can play such a key role bringing our communities together. Credit to the fab local volunteers running it – and please do consider getting onboard, to help the event to continue to develop and improve.”
Feedback on the event has been fantastic so far. We are keen to learn from the experience and build on this success to make 2025 even better! If you have any thoughts or ideas we would love to here from you.
Hunslet Festival is funded by Hunslet and Riverside Ward Councillors through the Leeds City Council Inner South Community Committee. Thank you.
Special thanks also go to Hunslet St Mary’s Primary School.
And thank you to all the community groups and organisations who took part in making the event great in different ways!
Yorkshire Evening Post featured an article with “11 Thrilling Photos” from the event which you can read here.
Keep up to date with Hunslet Festival during the year through our website or Facebook page.
To find out more please contact Ben Hutchinson on 07419 366 058 or email: ben@hunsletfestival.org.uk
This post is based on a press release issued by Hunslet Festival
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