Sky Rise Festival Huge Success!
” I have never seen – in all my 50 years in Totnes – Longmarsh so vibrant, buzzing, and filled with good vibes!” Says Bridgetown resident, Richard.
Saturday 12th July saw over 3000 people descend on the gorgeous river side on Longmarsh in Totnes. They were treated to a totally free event including music, circus, kids workshops, street food and even giant canoe rides.
“We couldn’t have asked for a more amazing day – oh and the sun shone too!” says festival organiser, Jonathan Elliott.
Audiences were amazed by the array of top quality bands, DJs, cheap bar and huge amount of children’s activies. Highlights on a giant inflatable outdoor stage included Plymouth based festival stalwarts Kid Hyena, local funk band The Bridge and The Shred Band (tightest horns in the South West). While the indoor tent saw an eclectic mix including the Totnes Ukelele Kollective, MC Appl Juic (live hip-hop), Saff Juno, The Sea Gals (Female shanty group) and The Totnes Jazz workshop. The kids were kept entertained with drum workshops, printing, mask making, bubble shows, solar telescopes, circus skills and the mayor was on hand – in the stocks!
The festival is organised by local chairity, Bridgetown Alive!, with a focus on making the event accessible to all walks of life and ages. It was magical to see the different ages being catered for, with drum & bass on the main stage while a jazz band played in the circus big top.
The organisers were particularly keen to create a free event so that lower income families and those in nearby social housing could come. “We tend to see a lot of events in the town centre that cater for the middle classes while areas like Bridgetown and Follaton are neglected” says Jonathan.
Wanting to keep the event free, the organisers are looking for funding for next year. The event is run mainly by volunteers but Bridgtetown Alive! feel it’s important to create real sustainable jobs in the area and not rely on voluntary sector. With this in mind they are asking for the local councils to finance the Event Manager role.
Also, any local donars or business sponsors to contact Jonathan Elliott (jelliott@talkaction.org Tel: 0203 488 7010)
To see more films, photos and full line-up go to Facebook ‘Sky Rise Festival’