A successful Peasedown St John project which began in 2008 is re-launching its volunteering initiative for a fourth year.
Party in the Park, first held in the summer of 2009, has grown from a small community event into a popular regional festival with more than 2,500 people attending.
Each year, over fifty volunteers take part by helping to collect donations at entrance gates, handing out programmes, marshalling road closures and clearing up litter.
The festival’s new Volunteer Managers, Tom Benyon and Andrea Feeney, are coordinating the recruitment campaign.
Tom said: “Volunteering is one of the most rewarding things you can ever do. Giving up your time to support a good cause, take part in a project or help organise an event goes a long way. It tells other people a lot about you and shows that you’re motivated and prepared to help others. Thousands of people across the country spend time volunteering. Some of the most successful campaigns ever run have been established and managed by volunteers.”
In preparation for Party in the Park in June, organisers are re-launching Be Part of It – a scheme where those that sign up will receive added benefits.
Andrea added: “People volunteer because they want to contribute something to society in their free time. The personal benefits they gain from volunteering are numerous and often unexpected, but include increased self-confidence, a sense of purpose, a feeling of well-being, new friendships and new skills.
“At Be Part of It, we also offer our volunteers a certificate, food vouchers on the day itself and a reference (if required) for school/college/university or a new job. Most of all, we want to make sure your time with us is fun and your experience of volunteering positive.”
A lot of organisation goes into ensuring Party in the Park is a success and the event’s positive reputation continues to grow.
Festival Chairman, Nathan Hartley, said: “We want to hear from anyone who is interested in volunteering with us no matter what their skills and experience, or how much time they have available. There are a number of roles that people can undertake either to help with the organisation of the event or on the day itself. If you want to develop a particular skill, but have no previous experience, let us know. Our existing volunteers can help act as mentors.
“As volunteering is about choice, you can give as much or as little time as you wish. Even if you can only spare an hour to distribute some programmes it all helps.”
Examples of roles on the day include: Collecting money at entrance gates, running community stalls, overseeing road closures, clearing litter and setting up and dismantling equipment.
Anyone who signs up to Be Part of It will also have the chance to volunteer at other events. Craig Gill, who volunteered at Somer Valley FM for five years as a radio-show host, said: “In general, volunteering opportunities with us take place at the summer festival, but by signing up with us, you may also be invited to take part in other community events in Peasedown.”
For more information and to sign up, visit www.peasedownpartyinthepark.org.uk or email: volunteering@peasedown partyinthepark.org.uk To register, you must be 18 or over, or have parental permission to join.
Party in the Park officially starts at 12 noon on Saturday, 11th June on Beacon Field, with festivities running until 7 p.m., it includes the Red Post Beer Tent, Great Western Air Ambulance, Jimmy Crole’s 75ft adult ride, large inflatables, tin-can alley and a very special 90th birthday street party for Her Majesty, The Queen.
This year’s sponsors are the St J’s Group, Bath Audi, Michael Gould Estate Agent and Care South.
Plans include seven hours of live music and entertainment with performances from The Blues Others, Train to Skaville and The Phoenix Club. Somer Valley FM is the official event partner for 2016.
The event also features the ‘Grant Giveaway Extravaganza’, the Sara Holley Community Award, and Somer Valley FM broadcasting live, with one of its most popular presenters hosting the event.
For more details, follow the event on Twitter: @peasedown_party, visit www.peasedownpartyinthepark.org.uk, or go to the event’s Facebook page at: www.facebook.com