The Leys Festival, the celebrated free event provided by and for the local community, returns this year to Blackbird Leys Park on Sunday 28 July from 12pm-7pm.
Created and planned by over 60 residents and community organisers from The Leys (Blackbird Leys and Greater Leys) alongside Oxford University’s Cultural Programme, this year’s festival will feature a range of fun activities including a football coaching session for children by members of the newly promoted Oxford United FC coaching staff.
Themed ‘One People One Place’ to encourage positive relationships between different generations and diverse cultures, the Leys Festival will include a Music & Dance stage featuring local talent, a special ‘Speakers Corner’ inviting people to speak or share a poem, and a ‘Memory Garden’ to share stories about people who have made a positive contribution to the Leys.
There will also be a selection of food stalls serving delicious meals throughout the day, cooked by residents showcasing the diverse cultures and heritage of the Leys. Hear the stories behind the recipes and find out how these dishes are made. All dishes will be available for £5 and under.
Traditional games include a tug-of-war, inclusive rounders tournament, face-painting, roller-skating classes, craft activities, bouncy castle, soft play area, a quiet garden area close to the Bowls Club serving refreshments plus an opportunity for people to learn how to bowl.
Finally, an innovative new painted mural will come to life throughout the day, designed and painted by MES Crew, a collective of local artists and designers, inspired by ideas and suggestions from across the Leys.
There is still time for community members to get involved as the festival organisers are also calling out for any donations of scrap fabric to create community bunting and scrap wood, pallets, ladders, bicycle wheels, and wooden chairs for the bridges. Anyone interested in helping, donating, or getting involved as a volunteer on the day, is encouraged to send an email to leyscommunityevent@gmail.com
Millie Khisa, resident and one of the festival producers says: “It has been wonderful to see so many people from the Leys and beyond come together week after week, all so excited about this celebration event.’
Stuart Parsons from Oxford Blackbirds FC says: “This is going to be great for the community. Hoping for this to be the start of something important for all of the families on the estate and that it continues for years to come!’
For further details, please visit: https://oxfordculturalprogramme.org.uk/event/the-leys-festival/
