For many people in South Leeds Beeston Festival is the highlight of the social calendar an event not to be missed. Every year Cross Flatts Park is filled with music, food, children’s activities for a day of fun and community joy. Many people are surprised to discover that the whole event is organised and run by volunteers.
The festival has grown and grown over the years, taking over more of the park and adding attractions and activities. With money always tight in the local community, the aim is always to put on the best free show possible for one day a year.
Of course, that one day takes a year to organise with the team balancing work and home life too.
Like many community groups the festival organisers are always looking for new volunteers to help spread the load. But this year they are losing two very experienced volunteers who both need to step down for personal reasons. Between them they carry out a lot of the work: running the music stages and the administration of the organisation.
Committee Chair, Angela Gabriel BEM, explained:
“If you’ve ever thought ‘I should get more involved in the community’ now is the time to step forward. We have the knowledge and expertise to run the event, but none of us are getting any younger. Relevant experience is definitely a plus, but what we really need are people who are keen to learn and can put in a shift on festival day.”
This year’s festival, on Saturday 28 June 2025, will go ahead as planned, but future events could be scaled back if the organising committee isn’t bolstered with new volunteers.
“It’s not all hard work” explains Angela. “We find time for a laugh and there’s an immense feeling of satisfaction from seeing the park full of smiling faces. Come and join us.”
Beeston Festival will hold its Annual General Meeting on Thursday 16 January at St Peter’s Court on Dewsbury Road at 6pm. If you would like to have a chat about what’s involved please email beestonfestival@gmail.com.
Photo: The Old Time Sailors were a big hit in 2023
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