LinkFest has been a community event since 2012 under the organisation arm of a local community association. 2018 sees it stand alone now as a CIC and expand on it's activities. Previously 2 one-day festivals 2018 will expand to a "town show" type event. Free for all to attend we had an estimated 5000 in 2017 for a family day out. Concessions, rides for the kids and music all day long for the whole community run by volunteers. Many of the performers are local people so it really is a true community event catering for all genres, in 2017 we had a signer for the deaf translating song words thus welcoming another section of the community that may previously have missed out. 2018 will also see the full return of the town carnival which in years gone by encompassed many of the communities getting together for the event including church groups.

What we'll deliver:

• An event that is inclusive of the whole community
• Variety of concessions, stalls, charity awareness projects
• Totally affordable day out with free entry

Why it's a great idea:

LinkFest gives people the opportunity to use the fantastic open spaces Harlow has to offer which otherwise people may not use. Local business also gets the opportunity to advertise and get involved as well by sponsoring performers. 2018 we aim to increase the size of the event to include performing arts such as theatre from local theatre companies, dance and acoustic. Other activities will be to include local charities to gain awareness with stands. LinkFest really gives the opportunity for local people to have an affordable day out, trouble free, re-living the history Harlow Town Park has for live music and the opportunity to get involved in one of the biggest community events in Essex by volunteering or getting involved in the committee and having a say in the day. Working together with local authorities, the Police, Church groups and all areas of the community LinkFest has grown into something that is expected in the local calendar and is something that brings people together.

Steps to get it done:

• A marquee hire for the performing arts and theatre groups to perform in
• Security costs for the safety and organisation of the event

We try as much as possible to use local businesses in the production of the event from concessions to performers, our strength has been building community relationships and bringing people back together for an enjoyable family orientated day out.