LEAMINGTON Peace Festival is needed more than ever, say organisers.
The much-loved fixture of town life since first held in 1978 only returned this year after a five year hiatus, for various reasons including the pandemic
The Leamington Festival of International Understanding and Peace started with the aim of promoting mutual understanding between people of different countries and cultures by putting on a programme of entertainment and demonstrations by groups of various nationalities.
It will be back at its traditional Pump Room Gardens home on June 13 and 14 next year – but it needs a little help.
The festival has been independent for decades, funded through its stalls, but it is now asking for public support. Funds were depleted by the gap during Covid are not yet sufficient to guarantee the festival can return to the pre-pandemic scale.
A Crowdfunder – www.tinyurl.com/l-p-fest – is now live and aims to raise £17,000 towards the £20,000 to £25,000 needed to run the festival.
Organisers, who say the festival is more vital than ever in the current global climate, are also keen to welcome new volunteers.
This year’s team brings together long-standing former organisers and fresh new faces, united in their commitment to honouring the festival’s roots while looking to the future.
The aim is to restore as much of the festival’s ‘magic’ as possible with music, connection, creativity, and peace at the heart of it all while bringing in new ideas shaped by the community.
Plans already include two stages, the marquee stage and the bandstand, peace talks, a children’s area, a discussion tent, a campaigns tent, plus dance and craft demonstrations for all ages.
Founding member and part of the organising committee, Gian Clare said: “It fills me with joy to see the Peace Festival returning with a team that blends experience, community, love, and new energy.
“From the beginning in 1978, the festival has always been about people coming together in the spirit of peace, creativity, and hope, something that’s needed now more than ever. I’m delighted to be part of this next chapter.”
To find out more about crowdfunding, stall applications, volunteer opportunities and to see all updates follow the festival on social or email [email protected]
