First ever SWFest is a roaring success

On Sunday 27 August, South Woodham Ferrers residents came out in droves to enjoy a wealth of music, food and activities at the first ever ‘SWFest’, run by Chelmsford City Council.

Basking in the glow of the hottest Bank Holiday on record, the town’s Compass Gardens played host to a multitude of things to do and see at this family-friendly festival. Between noon and 7pm, families delighted in trampolines, archery, basketball, kids’ rugby, a DJ party tent, kids’ disco, mobile zoo and a big inflatable zone – with castles for adults too!

Plenty of food, a bar, comfy hay bales and a giant deckchair kept everyone refreshed and relaxed, while face painting, glitter art and henna tattoos were available to give visitors that ‘festival look’ for the day.

A live stage provided sizzling sounds all day from the best of local talent, including Crème de Chevre, Blow the Band, CeCe Hemmingway, Louise Parker, Marc Halls, Leanne Louise and Kenny Barker.

Entry was free and organisers estimate that over 2,000 people attended the event.

Councillor Julia Jeapes, Cabinet Member for Leisure, said, “This is the first time that we have run a whole-day festival in South Woodham Ferrers and the local support has been absolutely fantastic. It was great to see so many people of all ages enjoying themselves on the day, listening to music by local artists, trying new things and having a good time.”

Andy Winmill, festival director, said, “We were overwhelmed by the attendance at SWFest in this, its first year. The people of South Woodham Ferrers took it to their hearts and embraced it. We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved in pulling this together, taking a chance on us and the wonderful community of South Woodham Ferrers, without whom this would not have been the unprecedented success that it was.”

With this successful event behind them, the Council’s events team are not resting on their laurels. Rumour has it they are already working on an all-new, exciting city event for Hallowe’en. More details will be revealed in the autumn – make sure you’re following Chelmsford Cultural Events on social media to hear it first.