Gloucestershire Gateway Trust were delighted to welcome families from across the community to GGT Fest; a fantastic way to celebrate an incredible first year of delivering open access, community-led Children and Family Centre services, and managing the Youth Support Services contract for Gloucester and the Forest of Dean.
Across two fun-filled, free events – held in Lydney at River Children & Family Centre on Wednesday 8th April, and at King’s School in Gloucester on Friday 10th April, over 1,300 people joined us to celebrate.
Families enjoyed a wide range of activities and entertainment, from face painting, glitter tattoos and henna, to inflatables, mini golf, a climbing wall, arts and crafts, sports, games, and even a smoothie bike; there was definitely something for everyone to enjoy.
There was no shortage of fun. Visitors also got involved in circus skills workshops, enjoyed live music and performances, and met some of their favourite characters throughout the day.
Young people aged 10+ also had access to an exclusive VIP Youth Zone, delivered in partnership with The Venture Community Hub in Gloucester and Forest Voluntary Action Forum in the Forest of Dean, providing a dedicated space just for them to relax, socialise and take part in activities.
It’s been wicked. I can’t believe it’s all been free to be honest with you, there’s so much for the kids to do and lots of entertainment.” GGT Fest visitor
Over the two days, we were proud to welcome a brilliant range of our partner organisations, who brought their energy, expertise and a wide selection of engaging activities that kept children and families entertained throughout the day.
A huge thank you to our partners in making our GGT Fests so special, including:
- The Venture Community Hub
- FVAF
- Read With Me
- Play Gloucestershire
- Wild and Green
- Little Monsters
- Mad About Art
- Gloucester Face Painting
- Rehana: Afiya Collections Henna
- All About Fun
- SkillZone
- The Music Works
- Beezee by Maximus
- National Careers Service
- Glos Parent Carer Forum
- Jigsaw
- Kulchalee Arts
- Colin Dymond Magic
- Thomas Trilby Circus Skills
- Kolo Gloucester Ukrainian School
I’ve been partnering with Gloucestershire Gateway Trust and other Gloucestershire charities for about five years now. When GGT launched the Children and Family Centres last year, we did a crazy 9-day tour of Gloucester and the Forest of Dean. That’s how I met them and it’s been a loving relationship ever since.” Maddie, Mad About Art
GGT Fest was a great celebration of community, bringing people together, creating connections, and showcasing the wide range of support available to children, young people and families in their communities.
A huge thank you to everyone who joined us. Your presence made the days so vibrant, welcoming, and filled with hundreds of happy families.
To find out more about our Children and Family Centres in Gloucester and the Forest of Dean visit www.glosfamilycentres.org.uk
To find out more about Youth Services in Gloucester and the Forest of Dean visit our Youth Services page.