This was “only” our fourth Community Festival ( we missed 2020 because of Covid ) but it really does feel established as a feature of the local calendar – as one activity organiser put it – “it has got its own traction” – which is exactly what I was hoping for when I started organising the festival in 2017. At that point I gave it three years on the basis that if Shefford wanted a festival then Shefford people would get behind it.
Well of course it didn’t work out quite like that but despite Covid, people have “got behind it” to create something that now thrives and is supported by our local businesses. So a special thank you to all you organisers, sponsors and other supporters out there who made this year’s festival so worthwhile. On the other hand of course the nation was in mourning for the Queen – we took the view that the Festival was our way of supporting the community, but the extra bank holiday with its full media coverage was clearly a factor.
What then were the stand-outs? Well of course a lot of people put a lot of effort into all the events spread over what is now a 10 day period and I was not able to go to all of them but here’s a few. First – I don’t have pics of the Musical Theatre and didn’t get to the sessions but well done to Hollie Milburn with your Musical Theatre Fun again this year – I hope you had some good sessions and the kids had fun.
Otherwise, the Garage Sale trail was busy with a record number of stalls – and lots of groups walking round town with maps also seeking out the many interesting Scarecrows that were on view. 
We would like to thank Rose’s at Duck Lane and the guys at LivingLife for their help in providing cakes and vouchers for the inaugural “Shefford 100 – great Cupcake Giveaway” which had some really positive reviews – the kids loved them!
Street Calisthenics had a good launch and hopefully will continue to contribute to the activities of local youth. 
More in my line was the inclusive café held most days at St Michaels Church – which I managed to get to a couple of times – I also noticed how popular the STMA has become and how successful their Family Fun Day is as a great event. 
While I ran my Tai Chi sessions on the Digswell field it was noticeable just how popular the field is for football and dog walking – all very sociable and lovely to see our green spaces being well used. 
Tony Dawson offered a retrospective view on the Shefford support for refugees held at St Michaels and sponsored by the Rotary Club.
The week finished for me with our annual family visit to the Art Exhibition where we enjoy the talents of our local artists along with tea and cake – followed by an evening of Tai Chi in the Community Hall.
Thank you to all who organised activities and supported this year’s festival in whatever way – and all the best to everybody in your planning for next year – and a final thank you to our sponsors who have helped to keep our efforts afloat and enabled us to spend money publicising the programme.
With all best wishes for the next 12 months
Ian Deavin
Organiser
