Hawkfest is made to bring the local community together, showcase local and up and coming talent, give people of all ages the opportunity to volunteer in the industry long or short-term. Across the weekend we would also like to put together some meals for children who may be in need of them. This year we are hoping to work with local mental health charity who specialise in men's mental health. Over the summer we would also like to hold some family activity days where children will be fed with at least one meal. Another plan is to also host afternoon tea for the older people of the village, giving them they chance to socialise where they may not have been able to before. Hawkfest will be all about supporting local acts, hopefully giving them the chance to perform on the same line up as some bigger names, giving them more publicity in the industry.

What we'll deliver:

• Provide meals to children
• Give the elderly a place to socialise
• Showcase local talent
• Host activity days for families
• Provide food and drink for volunteers over the weekend
• Raise awareness for mental health issues and break the stigma around men's mental health
• Bring the community together
• Music lesson opportunities over the weekend of Hawkfest
• Talent competition for local people with a well known judge

Why it's a great idea:

Hawkfest and its prior activity days will benefit a wide range of people: Families: cheap and/or free days out in the summer holidays, free meals for children. Children: fun days to make new friends or take part in activities with existing friends, being provided with a free meal. Elderly: Events to socialise with new and old friends, for some it may be the only contact they have in a week. Teenagers and adults: a weekend of fun, music and sun and/or experience in the events and music industry, meeting new people and making new connections personally and professionally Community understanding of mental health issues, hopefully providing help to the people that need it and pointing them in the correct direction

Steps to get it done:

• Booking a headline act
• Collecting decor to set the theme!
• Securing our local acts
• Booking our stage
• Setting up the arena for the event
• Feeding families in need
• Creating a safe space for people
• Creating a socialising opportunity for the elderly
• Teaching children new skills
• Opening up the events industry to a broader range of people

Alongside The Community Poppy Knitters and Hawkfest, we are also looking at launching a community group that will provide training opportunities primarily in the events and music industry but also branching out to other skills including British sign language, cooking, first aid and even different arts and craft skills.