A Great Time to Get Out and Enjoy What’s on Our Doorstep
When you’re busy helping organise events, it’s easy to get caught up in the jobs list. Who’s setting what up? Is the sound ready? Have we got enough volunteers? And, with the Beer & Gin Festival approaching, where exactly are we putting all that beer?!
But every now and then, you get a chance to step back and appreciate what it’s all for. For me, that’s seeing a room full of people enjoying themselves, catching up with friends and being part of something local.
I’m heavily involved in events at Glusburn Institute, co-organise the Beer & Gin Festival and also help organise Glistenbury Festival. Through all of that, I get to see the effort people put into making things happen – and the difference those events make to community life. And looking around Glusburn and Crosshills at the moment, there’s a lot to feel positive about.
Glusburn Institute has a year-round programme of live music, comedy, theatre and community events. As a trustee, I’m proud of the part it plays in village life. It’s a wonderful historic building, but what makes it special to me is seeing it used and enjoyed. Whether people are coming through the doors for the first time or have been coming for decades, there should be something that makes them want to return.
The Beer & Gin Festival is a brilliant example of that. Yes, we put plenty of thought into the beers, gins and music but the best part is the atmosphere once everyone arrives. Friends meet up, neighbours stop for a chat, and people who might not normally visit the Institute get to experience it at its liveliest.
There’s a huge amount of work behind the scenes, much of it done by volunteers. When the doors open and the place starts filling up, it makes those hours worthwhile.
I get the same feeling helping with Glistenbury. Bringing together live music, a community audience and support for Manorlands creates a day that means a lot to people. It’s lovely to see families and friends enjoying themselves, knowing how many local people and businesses have helped make it possible.
What’s encouraging is that this energy isn’t limited to the bigger events. Our local bars are putting on more live music, and there are plenty of places to eat, meet friends and make a proper evening of it. We’ve got entertainment on our doorstep, with local venues and businesses giving us good reasons to get out and enjoy it.
I’m a real believer in supporting that. A busy venue brings people into the village. Some will have a meal beforehand, meet for a drink or discover somewhere they haven’t visited before. Those connections help keep our local area lively and give businesses the confidence to keep investing in what they offer.
Of course, putting an event on is only half the job. We need people to come along.
Buying a ticket, booking a table, watching a band or bringing a friend makes a difference. So does sharing a facebook post or telling someone about an event you’ve enjoyed. For those of us organising things, that support helps us plan ahead and keep the programme going.
I’d love people to have a look at what’s coming up and try something they haven’t been to before. You might discover a band you love, find a new favourite place to eat or simply have a really good evening with friends.
That’s what keeps me involved: helping create those opportunities, then seeing people enjoy them.
There’s so much happening in Glusburn and Crosshills. I hope to see you at something soon – and this weekend, there’s a good chance you’ll find me at the Beer & Gin Festival, possibly still working through that jobs list!
By Jason Smith
Trustee
