THE organisers behind a host of community-based initiatives designed to offer support as well a fun to disadvantaged local families, Purple Elephant, have declared this year’s Frome Children’s Festival event, their ‘best and most successful Children’s Festival ever.’
After a much-downscaled event in 2021 and no festival at all in 2020 due to the pandemic, the tiny yet dynamic Purple Elephant team were determined to bring back big fun to the town this summer.
Just one day in August saw well over 30 activities including live theatre performances, BMX-ing, story-telling, river-spanning zip-wires for both able-bodied children and those who use wheelchairs, woodland science experiments, greenscreen TV special effects, live bands, jewellery-making, a sit-upon dragon, dressing up, arts and crafts, professional sound studio music recording, numerous accessible sports activities and cartoon character model-making from Aardman, brought to almost 3,000 people, all for free.
Thanks to the support of Frome Town Council and The National Lottery Community Fund, the organisation’s primary, and newest sponsor, Tall Trees Kindergarten, the public’s text-donations on the day and an incredible team of on-site volunteers ranging from aged 13 to 76, Purple Elephant founder, Sue Willis and her team, were also able to make this the most accessible Frome Children’s Festival to date. Sue said, “We were so excited to bring this event to the people of Frome and totally blown away by the enthusiasm and creativity of so many amazing young people involved in designing and running it.
“The advice and ideas, as well as direct involvement, of local young people, people with additional needs and groups supporting those with learning difficulties was sought a year in advance and throughout the project. Purple Elephant were also mindful of those who are in financial hardship, particularly during the summer holiday period, so this careful planning, and a beautifully sunny day, resulted in a truly welcoming event where all activities were free and everything from physical access, through widget signposting, to onsite family support-workers, a British Sign Language interpreter and fast-pass wrist bands were incorporated to encourage all children and their families to come and join in the important world of play.”
The Frome-based group, who also run Frome Toy Library with Stay-and-Play, Small Steps parenting support and, by referral, a Befriending service for five -12 year olds, have received many messages of thanks and praise about the day. The team are committed to making accessibility a priority for this annual event and would welcome both the practical and creative suggestions and input of the people of the town.
With the summer over, the team are now busily planning a series of half-term play activities and small Christmas parties for agency-referred families. Plans for the future also involve expanding the number of Small Steps group meetings, including taking this support service to outlying areas, including Coleford.
Purple Elephant is able to provide the Children’s Festival and its ongoing family support work thanks to the generosity of funders, sponsors, donors and volunteers. Volunteers are welcome to get in touch and your donations, to ensure these events continue, are welcomed; visit www.PurpleElephant.org.uk
