A successful Peasedown St John project which began in 2008 is re-launching its volunteering initiative for a second year.
Party in the Park, first held in the summer of 2009, has grown from a small community event into a popular regional festival with more than 3,000 people attending.
Each year over 50 volunteers take part by helping to collect donations at entrance gates, handing out programmes, marshalling road closures and clear up litter.
The festival’s stewarding manager Jo Davis commented: “Volunteering is one of the most rewarding things you can ever do. Giving up your time to support a good cause, take part in a project or help organise an event goes a long way.
“It tells other people a lot about you and shows that you’re motivated and prepared to help others. Thousands of people across the country spend time volunteering. Some of the most successful campaigns ever run have been established and managed by volunteers.”
In preparation for Party on the Park in June organisers are re-launching Be Part of It – a scheme where those that sign up with receive added benefits.
Working with Jo this year to support the volunteers are Mike Auton, Craig Gill and Cat Savage.
Mike, who has 25 years experience working in the charitable sector, added: “People volunteer because they want to contribute something to society in their free time. The personal benefits they gain from volunteering are numerous and often unexpected but include increased self-confidence, a sense of purpose, a feeling of well-being, new friendships and new skills.
“At Be Part of It, we also offer our volunteers a certificate, a gift and a reference (if required) for school/college/university or a new job. We also hold an annual ‘Thank You’ party each Autumn, where you can meet the other volunteers involved. Most of all we want to make sure your time with us is fun and your experience of volunteering positive.”
A lot of organisation goes into ensuring Party in the Park is a success and the event’s positive reputation continues to grow.
Cat Savage, event secretary, and a keen volunteer herself said: “We want to hear from anyone who is interested in volunteering with us no matter what their skills and experience, or how much time they have available.
“There are a number of roles that people can undertake either to help with the organisation of the event or on the day itself. If you want to develop a particular skill but have no previous experience, let us know. Our existing volunteers can help act as mentors.
“As volunteering is about choice, you can give as much or as little time as you wish. Even if you can only spare an hour to distribute some programmes it all helps.”
Examples of roles on the day include:
- Collecting money at entrance gates;
- Setting up PA equipment for the stage;
- Running community stalls;
- Overseeing road closures;
- Clearing litter;
- Setting up and dismantling equipment.
Anyone who signs up to Be Part of It will also have the chance to volunteer at other events.
Craig Gill, who has volunteered at Somer Valley FM for the last five years as a radio-show host, said: “In general, volunteering opportunities with us take place at the summer festival but by signing up with us you may also be invited to take part in other community events in Peasedown.”
For more information and to sign up visit www.peasedownpartyinthepark.org.uk or email [email protected]. To register you must be 18 or over, or have parental permission to join.
Party in the Park officially starts at 12 noon on Saturday 14th June on Beacon Field – with festivities running until 7 pm it includes the Red Post Beer Tent, hog roast, helter skelter, gladiator joust, croquet, face painting, quad bikes and much more.
It will be officially opened by the Chairman-elect of Bath & North East Somerset Council, Cllr Martin Veal.
Plans include seven hours of live music with performances from Heat, Whytehouse, Worry Dolls, Susan Hill School of Dance and the Victoria Hall Battle of the Bands winner.
The event also features the ‘Grant Giveaway Extravaganza’, the Sara Holley Community Award, Somer Valley FM broadcasting live, and several special-guest hosts.
