This week we had the absolute pleasure of enjoying a cup of tea with Liz Holbird to find out about a fantastic festival taking place this Summer.

St Alban’s Festival of Joy will take place across three days, from 29-31 July. Described on the promotional posters as, ‘A fun-filled affordable festival for all ages,’ there is certainly plenty to keep young and old alike entertained. Whether you’re one or one hundred and one, we are confident you’ll find something to enjoy every single day.

This is the second year that the festival has been held. A huge success last year, it was arguably inevitable that it would be repeated. Building on the long tradition of children’s holiday clubs in the area, as well as the successful clothing and Christmas gift banks that the church already runs, the intention was very much to create an affordable festival that would have appeal for the entire community.

The three days are certainly action packed. On all three mornings from 10 - 12.30, there is a community café along with activities for pre-schoolers to enjoy. At the same time, there is a Children’s Club geared for primary school children. Parents are welcome to drop their children off at the club so that they can get come chores done. That said, the grown-ups are encouraged to join in too. So as a parent or carer, feel free to put your feet up for an hour or two in the community café running parallel to it. 

Please note that the children’s club is the only part of the festival requesting payment. At just £5 per child per day, we can assure you it’s incredible value for money. However, if you are struggling financially, the church are able to provide free places too ensuring no one has to miss out on the fun. Just drop them an email.

These morning sessions are followed by a shared lunch each day from 12.30 – 1.30. This delicious lunch is free of charge, with just a suggested donation of £2 a head for those able to afford to pay. 

In the afternoon, there are a range of different activities to entertain you. Choose to sit back and listen to an organ recital, take part in a spot of line dancing, sing your heart out with the gospel choir or enjoy a delicious afternoon tea. Alternatively, you can opt to get creative in the Calm & Creativity slot. Last year, attendees at this session enjoyed some fantastic creative activities including acrylic painting and textile printing, and we can’t wait to find out what they have in store for this Summer. 

Teens will definitely enjoy the Youth Tournament and the Youth Outing. The latter is a fully funded trip to PGL to enjoy an exciting afternoon of adventure and outdoor fun. And those with a passion for the environment will love the Eco Session. In addition, there is a Café of Hope which is hosted by the church Bereavement Café team. This will feature an interview and performance from an extremely talented flautist who has taken part in a number of retreats for Ukrainians who have suffered loss as a result of the war.

The festival will culminate on Friday 31st July in a celebratory BBQ for all. So that the organisers know how much food to prepare, people are requested to book online for this but, yet again, this is free of charge, with donations on the day accepted should you wish to make a contribution.

The festival will culminate on Friday 31st July in a celebratory BBQ for all. So thatthe organisers know how much food to prepare, people are requested to book online for this but, yet again, this is free of charge, with donations on the day accepted should you wish to make a contribution. 

This is just a snapshot of what is taking place. Over 1700 leaflets have already been dropped through letterboxes around the area but if you haven’t received one, you can discover the full calendar of events at the St Alban’s Hindhead website. Some events do require booking in advance so please do check out what is happening online and book your places in advance where necessary.

What is clear from our conversation with Liz is that this is a real community event. As well as wanting to help families in the holidays, Liz is as just as conscious of the increasing problem that loneliness poses. And the activities are certainly designed to combat that too. There are so many opportunities to meet others without feeling under pressure to do so. And we can certainly vouch from what a warm welcome St Alban’s offers from having attended previous events at the church. What we also love is how the activities will connect the different generations to one another. A very simple example is how craft activities may involve older attendees teaching younger ones how to knit or crochet.

Whilst originally Liz’s idea, she stressed to us that the event would not be possible without the combined effort of dozens and dozens of volunteers. Last year, over 80 people helped make the event possible and the expectation is that similar numbers will be involved this July too. Roles vary from cake-baking to serving teas, coffees and lunches, to coordinating craft activities, organising walks, running garden games and much more!

Whilst they have lots of hands already helping, the team would be delighted to hear from anyone who has some spare time and is also happy to lend a hand. Help is needed both in the run up to the festival getting everything ready (including with the erecting of marquees) as well as across the three days.

Please note, most of the activities on offer during the festival are also on offer at St Alban’s throughout the year. However, the festival is a chance to enjoy all these activities under one umbrella. All activities will take place come rain or shine.

We wanted to wish Liz and all the team lots of luck with the festival. They can’t wait to see you all there so please do get involved and go along. We’re confident you won’t regret it!