After successfully applying to the Big Lottery Fund’s Celebrate programme the Gruffalo Spring Picnic has been awarded £6,289 which will be used to host a one-day event on Saturday 8th April at Queenswood Country Park near Leominster.
On the day, local communities and families from across the county are invited to come together to celebrate the great outdoors with the Gruffalo at Queenswood this spring. The woodland and Arboretum at Queenswood look lovely as the tress blossom in spring, giving the perfect setting for the event. The Gruffalo trail has proved extremely popular since it was launched last September when around 2,000 visitors flocked to the opening event and it is hoped that this spring celebration will prove equally popular.
The event organiser, Hayley Herridge commented: “this community event will have something for everyone with art and music workshops, live music, local food and craft stall, face painting and wildlife encounters. WildPlay will also be running activities including an egg hunt, woodland art and den building and there will even be a spring bake off competition too. We’re also very pleased that the Gruffalo himself will be making a special appearance so pack a picnic and come along and say hello!”
The Big Lottery Fund found that more than half (63%) of people asked reported that they have never or cannot remember ever coming together to celebrate with their local neighbourhood. If given the chance, more than 40% would like to celebrate their local history, and more than two fifths (43%) of those aged 16 to 24 would celebrate their local culture, art or music.
In response to these findings the Big Lottery Fund asked for local groups and organisations of all shapes and sizes to apply for funding, to hold events or activities that would bring people together and celebrate what makes their local community special.
The Celebrate programme is the perfect opportunity for people to showcase and enjoy something important to their community, be it an iconic building, a precious landscape, a unique service or a community hero. There is£5 million available in total across the UK.
