Crookes community festival shows why parks are so important to Sheffield
The RiteTrax on the Bole Hills community festival in Crookes on August 6 will feature a lineup of bands, art and poetry for people to enjoy for free.
Crookes and Crosspool city councillors Anne Murphy and Craig Gamble Pugh say the festival highlights the value of parks like the Bole Hills.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad“We’re hoping by working with RiteTrax and having a new community festival we are going to draw in thousands of people who might not have thought of visiting Bole Hills park and encourage them to come back and use it in the future,” said Coun Gamble Pugh.
“Sheffield’s parks are an asset to the city, offering great spaces that can be used for so many events. Across the city the Labour-run council is really committed to protecting parks and green spaces and that’s tough to do because of Government budget cuts, so initiatives like this will encourage more use of parks.”
RiteTrax is a social enterprise which tries to create sustainable and accessible platforms for artists, independent businesses and entrepreneurs.
The event on the Bole Hills is being organised by Joe Gaughan, Adam Seymour and Michael Thompson, who have promised a day of music and fun for all ages. They are working with the city council and Crookes Forum.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdThe organisers believe they have the mix right with a music line-up including the Fentonville Street Band, Emily J and DJs.
Joe said: “It’s a bit of everything. We are trying to present every medium of creativity that you can think of.
“Whether that’s spoken word, acoustic music, electric, pop bands to businesses that are sole traders and would normally not have an opportunity to sell their work at a festival because of the cost. It gives people a chance to share their creativity.”
Michael added: “This is for everyone, every age – one of our acts is an elderly gentleman who usually plays piano at the railway station. We have built a band around him and he’ll be playing at the Bole Hills.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad“It’s a festival for the community. There’s lots of different things, arts stalls, charity stalls and children’s entertainment, art workshops – something for everyone.”
Today’s top stories: