More than 1,000 people attended a family festival which created a "real sense of community".
The Sunnywood Project held its first family festival promoting mental, physical and social wellbeing in Burrs Country Park in Bury on Sunday, June 1.
There was a huge range of free outdoor activities that families could take part in to explore and learn about the site’s heritage.
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Guided trail runs and hikes were on offer and other activities like outdoor watercolour painting, yoga and breathwork; marshmallow toasting, outdoor storytelling; and foraging were available.
There was entertainment from Tottington Public Band, a giant bubble show, a tea club and even a waterbomb firing trebuchet.
The Sunnywood Project encouraged families to bring a picnic and enjoy listening to the brass band over lunch in true community style.
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To encourage festival goers to avoid using their cars, the festival also had a free "Dr Bike" for those that needed any cycle repairs plus discounted tickets for the East Lancashire Railway.
The Sunnywood Project’s education director, Marc Young, said: “One of the highlights of the day for me was seeing so many families gathered on the field with the many picnic blankets truly enjoying being outdoors as a family – there was a real sense of community.
“It was a huge amount of work organising the festival and I am absolutely thrilled that we were able to offer the community such a unique experience for free.
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“We have our fingers crossed that we can access the right funding and sponsorship to enable this idea to grow and return even bigger in 2025!
“I am also incredibly grateful to the many volunteers who gave up so much of their time and made this event possible.”
Creative director Sammy Deas added: “We are extremely proud of the efforts our staff and volunteers which have enabled Sunnywood Fest to be such a success for the local community of Bury.
“We have lots of exciting ideas and therefore hope we can return even bigger next year!”
Funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the festival was free to access, but The Sunnywood Project is now seeking support from business sponsorship to enable the organisation to grow it over the next three years to become one of the "country’s best family-friendly festivals promoting use of the outdoors for mental, physical and social wellbeing".
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