THE Mangotsfield Village Festival returns this month, four years after it was last held.
The event returns for the 31st time on June 10, with some changes to the set-up from the most recent festival in 2019.
This year the festival is taking place at a new venue, on the Pomphrey Hill North Field, off Johnson Road.
While the traditional parade to the venue from the village green outside the Lamb Inn had not been confirmed as the Voice went to print, the familiar mix of music, dance displays, dog show and stalls is all in place.
Following an opening ceremony at 11am there will be displays from local schools and clubs before a programme of live music begins at 1.25pm with the Staple Hill-based Kris Nock Big Band.
The other bands are Kick The Cat, Outatime 80’s and closing act Levi Valentino, who will play the last hour before the festival ends at 8pm.
There will be an area dedicated to children’s activities, called the Kids Zone, along with a variety of food and drink to suit all tastes.
Ross Janes, from the Mangotsfield Festival Planning Committee, said: “The dictionary defines a community as a group of people living in the same place, but I would argue that definition really doesn’t do Mangotsfield justice.
“Mangotsfield is full of people who come together regularly for shared causes, and nothing exemplifies this more than the Mangotsfield Village Festival.
“I have been involved on the very fringes of the festival for 12 years, helping to lead the parade through our village, but this is my first year serving on the planning committee.
“It has been an eye-opening experience to see the dedication shown by those involved behind the scenes.
“We first met in September and I, wrongly, assumed it would be standing-room only. You may be surprised to learn that it is in fact a small, dedicated team who help to plan and run the entire festival.
“On average it costs about £16,000 to put on our festival, which is a figure that may shock many, and is why this year has seen many local events come to an end due to the financial challenges they have face.
“We want to ensure Mangotsfield Festival continues, so we will be asking for those attending to make donations on the day. We are very grateful for the support we receive from both South Gloucestershire Council and Emersons Green Town Council alongside local businesses who donate their services – without them the festival could not happen.”
The organisers are advising all visitors to leave their cars at home, as there will be no on-site parking.
Updates on the parade and other details can be found at the festival’s Facebook page or website, www.mangotsfieldfestival.co.uk.
Anyone interested in having a stall at the festival should email stalls@mangotsfieldfestival.co.uk, and anyone who would like to volunteer on the day should contact the planning committee at committee@mangotsfieldfestival.co.uk.
Every year the festival makes grants to good causes in the local community – organisations who would like to apply for one should email grants@mangotsfieldfestival.co.uk.