This May, the Got The Love Festival is coming to Quex Park offering you a time machine back to some nostalgic bangers.
With Bjorn Again kick-starting the festival on 24th May performing the greatest hits of ABBA and a who’s who of 90s stars playing on the 25th including Blue, Basshunter, Vengaboys and Peter Andre among many more, we spoke with Alice from Got The Love who was happy to tell us more about this exciting new festival.
For readers who might not know, can you tell us more about where the idea, vision and inspiration came from for the Got The Love Festival and what your aims are for this?
Got The Love Festival’s idea, vision, and inspiration are deeply rooted in the collective need for connection and positivity following a challenging period in recent years. The festival aims to be a haven where people can come together, share joy, and relive the simplicity of love and happiness. The concept emerged as a response to the difficulties faced by individuals, with the vision of creating an event that serves as a nostalgic celebration of love and unity.
The inspiration for the festival extends beyond just providing entertainment; it’s about crafting an immersive experience that resonates with attendees. By incorporating performances from iconic artists of the 90s and 00s, the festival adds another layer to its vision, allowing people to reconnect with the music that shaped their memories. This blend of nostalgia, love, and music is designed to evoke a sense of shared joy and togetherness.
In essence, Got The Love Festival aims to be more than just an event—it’s a celebration of the human spirit, a journey back to simpler times, and a communal experience that leaves attendees with smiles on their faces. It’s about creating lasting memories and fostering connections through the universal language of love and music.
From a personal perspective, who are you most looking forward to seeing perform at the festival?
I am so excited about the whole line-up that is a really hard question! But I think Peter Andre and Basshunter just about make it to the top of my list, although seeing Blue is going to be a teen dream come true!
What are the long-term plans for the Got The Love Festival? Are you hoping to make this a permanent fixture at Quex for the next 5-10 years?
We’ve started working on next year already, so we are definitely planning on becoming an annual staple at Quex. We’ve got a 5-year growth and development plan that will see the offering grow each year.
What plans are in place to get this festival to the best of its ability and make sure this isn’t another version of the Sound Island Festival?
Without wishing to comment directly on anyone else’s event what we can say is that Got The Love Festival is not just a festival but a whole ethos to deliver the feel-good factor at a time when people really need it. The last few years have had more than its fair share of challenges and stress. Got The Love provides an affordable antidote to that – it is a vibrant escape into the joyous beats of the past that will bring families, friends and communities together to be uplifted as one.
Can you tell us more about the ethos of your community programme “Got the Love Where You Live” and the present and future visions you have for this?
Got The Love Festival is an annual celebration dedicated to fostering community spirit, creativity, and positive vibes. Committed to making a lasting impact, we will be organising initiatives that benefit the local community and the environment.
The first of which is a litter pick that aims to bring together festival organisers, residents and volunteers to actively contribute to the enhancement of Birchington’s public spaces. The designated key areas for the litter pick include The Parade, Station Road, Canterbury Road, Crispe Park, and the Minnis Bay Play area which will take place on 11th April. We are also in talks with experts about how we can help support the biodiversity of the area with wildflower planting to nurture pollinating insects. Our plan is, that through the provision of millions of seeds, we will identify suitable locations and increase the ecological growth of Thanet.
How can readers get involved and find out more about the “Got the Love Where You Live” programme?
We will post the meeting details on Instagram and Facebook, so follow us and engage with the post to let us know you’re coming!
How important is it that your work helps positively impact the Thanet community and how are you helping to ensure this gets done through Got The Love Festival?
Ensuring that the Got The Love Festival positively impacts the Thanet community by contributing to the continued success of the area aesthetically and by providing the same opportunities as in other parts of the country is fundamental to every decision we make and action we take.
Through the Got The Love Festival, we recognise the importance of positively influencing the Thanet community for social cohesion, well-being, and sustainable development. Our commitment to this impact is reflected in our approach.
Community Engagement is a cornerstone of our strategy. We actively seek input from the community through surveys to align the festival with their values and preferences. This inclusive approach fosters a sense of ownership and community spirit.
Social Cohesion is a primary goal. The festival serves as a platform for uniting diverse groups within the community, promoting understanding, tolerance, and unity. By bringing people together, we contribute to the fabric of social harmony.
Economic Impact is another aspect we prioritise. We support local businesses, artists, and vendors, stimulating economic growth and creating opportunities for local entrepreneurs. This economic boost contributes to the overall prosperity and resilience of the community.
Cultural Enrichment is integral to our mission. We celebrate local culture, heritage, and arts as a priority. This not only preserves traditions but also fosters creativity, enriching the cultural tapestry of the Thanet community.
To ensure a positive impact, we implement specific strategies. Community Consultation involves actively seeking and incorporating community input through surveys to shape festival programming, accessibility, and overall impact.
Partnerships are crucial. We collaborate with local organisations, charities, and community groups to address specific needs or issues.
Inclusivity is a key principle. We ensure the festival is accessible to all members of the community.
By prioritising community engagement, inclusivity, and collaboration, Got The Love Festival aims to leave a meaningful and positive impact on the Thanet community.