THIS year’s Mangotsfield Festival has been given the final go-ahead, thanks to a grant from Emersons Green Town Council.
The 32nd annual village festival will take place on Saturday June 8 at Pomphrey Hill, on the North Field, off Johnson Road.
It will start with a parade from the green outside the Lamb Inn, leaving at about 10.15am for the festival site, where an opening ceremony will take place at 11am and events will run until 8pm.
The festival will feature live music, song and dance, a dog show, a ‘kids zone’ dedicated to children’s activities and a wide range of stalls, including food and drink.
The main arena will host acts from local schools, dance clubs and musical groups in the day before music acts the Kris Knock Big Band, Liquor and Poker and The Soul Destroyers take over from 4.30-8pm.
Ross Janes, from the Mangotsfield Festival Planning Committee, said: “Last year was a triumphant return for the Mangotsfield Festival and all of us are keen to ensure this year’s festival equals if not exceeds what we achieved last year.
“A huge thank-you must go to Emersons Green Town Council for the substantial £5,000 grant they have given us this year. Without these funds the festival was at real risk of being called off.”
Ross said last year’s move to the North Field – which is historically part of Mangotsfield but within the town council’s boundaries – meant organisers couldn’t charge an entry fee to help meet the £16,000 costs of the event.
Instead they are calling on everyone who attends to make a donation, with a suggested amount of £3 per person.
Ross said: “If the local community want us to keep holding the festival we really do need their support.”
More details are available at www.facebook.com/mangofest, with stallholders invited to email stalls@mangotsfieldfestival.co.uk and volunteers committee@mangotsfieldfestival.co.uk.