Parklife

 

Parklife started when two alumni approached v involved at the University of Leeds wanting to run an event highlighting a key community issue of retaining the Leeds Girls School Hockey fields for public use. Having lived next door to a vociferous local resident during their time at University they felt compelled to give something back to the community that had hosted them for the 3 years they spent as student here.

 

They had initially wanted to run a music festival however after contacting numerous residents associations, religious groups, and local councillor they decided to form an official independent group ‘Parklife’ to hold a community fun day on the local moor.

 

The two alumni, aged 22 and 24, coordinated the day, and managed to involve key community groups, councillors and created over 100 new opportunities for young people to volunteer as stewards, musicians, technical support, environmental litter pickers and many more.

 

The volunteers managed to raise £12,500 from councillors, small grant pots and donations from members of the public, and successfully navigated their way round the health and safety of large events.

 

The day itself was wonderful with children taking full advantage of the face painting and story telling, adults enjoyed local ale and music, and families were delighted in the free hanging baskets that they were able to make and take home in the Permaculture area.

 

Approximately 3000 people attended on the day, and luckily there were no first aid incidents or anti social behaviour problems!

 

 

“…I felt the event was well organised, with visible security deterring potential problems. I also think the event was as safe as possible. [It was a] very enjoyable day, I for one received a lot of positive feedback from both the children and their parents in my area and also from all my friends who came down for the music entertainment later on!”

 

Abi Foster – Childrens Tent Team Leader

 

The volunteers are keen to make Parklife an annual event by continuing to campaign for local issues by holding a fun community day for all ages and backgrounds.