Call for Earlsdon Festival volunteers

[dutchman]

One of Coventry’s most popular festivals needs volunteers to help it go off with a bang.


Last year's event

The 20th Earlsdon Festival gets into swing in the heart of the area, starting in April.

Last year’s annual event proved a great success with hundreds of all ages flocking to the high street and surrounding roads.

They raised more than £10,000 for a range of local good causes.

Organisers are now giving local people and businesses the chance to do their bit to make this year’s festival the best yet.

They have issued an appeal for anyone who is interested in helping because they need people to lend a hand before and during the event in Earlsdon Street.

A meeting for those who want to help takes place next week.

Earlsdon Festival has been running since 1978 and was centred on Earlsdon Street until 2001 when it was moved out to Hearsall Common due to police concerns over traffic and crowd safety issues.

It returned to the street in 2011.

Plans for this year’s 10-day event, which ends in May, includes fashion shows, live entertainment among the programme of activities for the 10-day long festival.

The entertainment begins on Friday, April 26, and reaches its high point on its final day Bank Holiday Monday, May 6.

Festival organiser Nigel Lee said: “The most memorable and popular part of the festival will be when the high street takes on a carnival atmosphere and is packed with entertainment and attractions for families and youngsters.

“We have organised a meeting well in advance so that everyone who is interested can come along with their ideas and their enthusiasm.

“We know that the festival has a big place in the heart of the community because it’s fun to organise as well as to take part in.

“All of the thousands of pounds raised last year went to local charities. It was raised by individuals who care about important causes and who like to have fun.”

Festival organisers invite those who like to help out at this year’s festival to a meeting at Earlsdon Methodist Church in Albany Road on Friday, January 18. It starts at 7.30pm and will finish by 9pm.

Anyone who is interested in volunteering but can’t make that night should contact Nigel Lee on 024 7667 5772.

Alternatively phone Lee on 07850 764 200.

[dutchman]

Thousands expected at Earlsdon Festival


Last year's festival

THOUSANDS of people are expected to join one of Coventry’s most popular festivals later this month.

The 20th annual Earlsdon Festival takes place in Earlsdon Street and surrounding roads, from Friday April 26 until Bank Holiday Monday, May 6.

Last year’s event proved a great success and raised more than £10,000 for local charities.

A range of activities and events are on offer for the whole family.

There will antique valuations by Warwick Auctions for £1 an item from 12.30pm until 4.30pm at the Gilbert Richard Centre on Saturday April 27. On the same day musician Paul Field will be performing at Earlsdon Methodist Church at 7.30pm. Tickets are £8 each.

The church will be celebrating its 90th anniversary with a service on Sunday April 28 at 10.30am. Meanwhile, a tug of war, organised by the Old Clarence pub, will take place at Hearsall Common at 1pm. It costs £50 to book a team of six and includes food and one drink at the pub, in Earlsdon Avenue North.

A whole host of free sports events will be held at Spencer Park from 10am until 4pm on May 4 including a tennis open day, crown-green bowling and golf taster sessions.

The following day there will be Songs of Praise at Earlsdon Methodist Church at 6.30pm, followed by Coventry covers band, The Swains, performing at Albany Social Club, from 8pm. Tickets costs £10 and are available at the club, in Earlsdon Street.

On May 6 there will be homemade cakes on sale, along with cream teas, books, plants and crafts at St Barbara’s Church Fete, in Rochester Road, from 11am until 3pm.

The Royal Oak pub, in Earlsdon Street, will also host performances from Dance Infiniti, Coventry Morris Men and Jill Purser’s Theatre School. Dayspring Steel Band will be performing outside Earlsdon Methodist Church at 1pm.

A total of 11 gardens will be opened by Earlsdon Open Gardens on Bank Holiday Monday including The Spinney as part of the National Gardens Scheme from 11am until 4pm.

And on the same day, people can join ballet taster sessions, freestyle and tap dancing sessions at the Earlsdon Church Hall from 12pm.

Nigel Lee, the festival chairman said: “We’re hoping the weather is good - it’s the most important part of the festival.

“There are more than 40 events with the biggest day on Bank Holiday. There is something for everyone and we really hope residents from across the city will come and join us.”

* Anyone who wishes to volunteer can call Nigel on 07850 764 200.