Author: Jon Wareing

When we started discussing the possibility of Music, Art & Food on the Water, on July 13^th, the day after the Government made its decision on moving to Step 4 on the “roadmap to freedom” on July 19th (so-called “Freedom Day”), we were unanimous in our desire for business to support our local community by organising activity that would bring our community together after a really tough 18 months, celebrate the amazing work of voluntary and community groups during the pandemic (and encourage more volunteering!) and to show that there is a demand for activity in the evenings by local residents.

Now we are just 3 days away from what we planned as a set of dispersed activities, with a common theme, located around the village – mindful of the continuing presence of COVID-19.

Evening Events and Activities

So, what is happening?

Everything kicks off at 17:00 with local voluntary and community groups including representation from the Councils, on the Village Green. So please come along and show your appreciation for the things they do to keep our community going!

At the same time the first of our music acts will be performing just across the river outside the Victoria Hall, the first of a set of acoustic acts, one of which will also feature schoolchildren from the Primary School, lasting to around 19:00.

Also you should smell some delicious fragrant foods from our “Street Food” vendors located beside the Victoria Hall (near the entrance). The Old New Inn will be offering steak or portobello mushroom baguettes, Smiths will have burgers and Aroma a very special surprise. Bourton’s very own Mr Ice Cream will also be on hand with something for dessert. Expect fire and ice!

Inside the Victoria Hall, on the ground floor between 17:00 and 19:00, there will be a display of art featuring pictures from local schoolchildren and a number of local artists.

And at 19:00 it’s the moment of truth for some budding performers in Bourton’s Got Talent! By the way, there’s still time to sign up to perform! (Contact talent@bourtonbusiness.net)

And don’t forget you can check out Bourton’s Got Talent on Cotswolds Radio the following day, in case you can’t make it.

Music and Food around the Village

Around the village, a number of pubs and eateries are laying on music for your delectation. So, check them out and book a table. Paige and the Red Shift at The Wellie, Luke Lester Powell playing some chilled acoustic with some classics at The Mousetrap, there’s Greek music to go with pizza at the Bakery on the Water. The Chestnut Tree, The Croft and The Manse are also confirmed in putting on some music. (All these details subject to last minute changes no doubt!!)

It has been really challenging to orchestrate even a relatively low-key event for local residents in a two-month timeframe. But we’ve had amazing support from businesses, performers and artists, the Parish, District and County Councils who have all contributed resources (financial and otherwise) to make this happen. And of course, some pretty amazing teamwork by a small bunch of volunteers. (We will acknowledge everyone who has contributed in a future blogpost.)

Equally, it should be noted that the Village continues to experience really challenging times, especially in getting staff, and so we have sadly had some drop-outs of entertainment acts, community groups and local food vendors who are unable to get involved in the way they had wanted. 

There continues to be a lot of people working really hard in our community and under a lot of pressure to do normal everyday activities and we shouldn’t forget this as we try to create a late-summer feel-good moment for everyone to enjoy.

We hope you enjoy the vibe, have fun, meet friends and stay safe of course!

This collection of music, art and food experiences around the village on the evening of September 25th is the first activity being initiated by Bourton Business Network. The intention is to bring our community together as we collectively get on the road to post-pandemic recovery. 

For residents of Bourton and surrounding villages, it is a moment to celebrate village life, thank active local people, find out about future ideas and volunteering opportunities and, most importantly of all, to acknowledge what we’ve all been through and sustain that sense of togetherness that was evident in the first few months of lockdown in 2020.

If, as a local business or resident, you would like to get involved in some way please drop us a line. 

Maybe it’s time to let your special gift shine at Bourton’s Got Talent. Do you just want to thank someone for something they’ve done in the community over the last 18 months? Perhaps you want to finally throw the (cancelled) 2020 Christmas Party for your team – why not book your favourite local eatery on this special evening?

As a business, can you support the event through sponsorship? Perhaps sponsoring a Drumming Workshop for young people? Making a contribution to the cost of the musical acts around the village? Or contributing to a voucher scheme for those in reduced circumstances to ensure that everyone can participate in some way?

Come and meet your local councillors and the community groups who do so much to support our community.

More information will be publicised nearer the date outlining the Music, Art and Food trails round the village. But please put Saturday 25th September, 2021 in your diary now!

The food theme continues over the weekend with the local Farmers Market the next day so please support our local food producers. Drop in to the FREE exhibition Eat from the Landscape at the British Legion Hall alongside the market at GL54 2AR on Sunday September 26th,  9 a.m to 2.30 to find out more about local food and meet some producers.

If you would like to get involved email us at mafow2021@bourtonbusiness.net