The festival saw hundreds of local people attend throughout the day – embracing the free food, activities, entertainment and community spirit that was on offer.
The unique event, which was free for all, was coordinated by the award-winning social enterprise Community Shop; Centre 4; Oasis Hub and a number of local schools.
As well as presenting an opportunity for friends, families and neighbours to join together in the heart of the community and engage in activities over the summer holiday period, Community Shop’s annual Big Feast event, which was part of the festival, generated positive benefits for the environment, too. On the day at the Big Feast, 333 wholesome meals were prepared for guests using surplus food from Community Shop. Community Shop is part of the Company Shop Group, which is the UK’s leading redistributor of surplus food and household products and stops good food from going to waste.
With the organisers aiming to deliver the best free family day out of the year, there was something for everyone at this year’s festival. Over 30 small local businesses ran stalls selling everything from jewellery and knitwear, to soaps and candles, as well as an arts and crafts stall, tombola and a free bouncy castle.
Local Police Community Support Officers and members from the fire brigade also attended, teaching children about their jobs and showing them inside the police vans and fire engine.
Community Shop Grimsby is based in Centre 4 on the Nunsthorpe estate and is proud to have been serving its local community for more than two years. It provides members, who live locally and receive welfare support, with access to high-quality, low-cost food. It also runs personal development sessions – from debt advice and employability skills, to cook club and home budgeting – all which aim to build stronger individuals and more confident communities.