- Thousands took part in successful arts festival celebrating unity, equality, diversity and culture
- Delivered in partnership between Tamworth Borough Council and 22 local schools
- Featured rainbow fun run, choir, music, dance, art trail, blacksmith workshop and community stalls and more
A community festival was a huge success as thousands gathered in the Castle Grounds on Saturday 5 July, as Tamworth Borough Council and 22 local schools hosted the town’s first Kaleidoscope of Dreams arts festival.
The festival was a joyful day of creativity, culture and community filled with music, colour and activity as people enjoyed performances, artwork and fun events celebrating Tamworth’s children and young people and the diverse communities they represent.
The day began at 11am with a free rainbow fun run, where children ran three colourful laps around the Castle Grounds arena. Powder paint filled the air as they ran through bursts of colour, enjoying the fun-filled atmosphere.
From 12 noon to 4.30pm, the stage was packed with musical, choir and dance performances from Tamworth pupils. The festival finished on a high as children from all 22 schools joined together to sing four songs including one specially composed for the event, sharing uplifting messages of unity, hope and belonging.
There was plenty to explore and enjoy across the event, with something for everyone. Activities included community games, bubble entertainers, face painting, walkabout characters and a small fairground. Crowds also enjoyed performances by African drummers, a blacksmith workshop and stalls from local community and voluntary groups.
Running throughout the day was a colourful town art trail, featuring artwork created by schoolchildren from across Tamworth. The pieces explored themes such as diversity, aspiration and community, and were displayed throughout the town in the Assembly Rooms, library, St Editha’s Church, Ankerside and the bandstand, bringing children’s creativity into the heart of the town.
Councillor Sarah Daniels, Portfolio Holder for Cooperative Council, Community Partnerships and ASB, said: “Wow! What's an amazing day and such outstanding talent from the town's children and young people. I am in awe at the amazing work that both the children and their teachers accomplished, and I want to thank them. It was truly humbling to see the brilliance of our town's youth.
“This festival has truly brought our community together. It was a joyful celebration of culture and connection, and it’s been wonderful to see local schools and families play such a big part in bringing it to life. Together, we continue to build a stronger, more inclusive Tamworth, where everyone feels they belong.”
Maria Hamblin, Chief Executive Officer of Fierté Multi-Academy Trust, added: “Our Kaleidoscope of Dreams has been a powerful reminder of what can happen when children and schools come together with a shared purpose.
“Seeing children, young people and teachers from across Tamworth working side by side has strengthened our sense of community and fellowship. These partnerships have not only brought dreams to life, but they have also built lasting connections that we hope will grow year after year. Thank you to everyone who contributed, participated, and supported this journey.”
The event was supported by funding from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government’s Community Recovery Fund, part of a £600,000 grant awarded following the civil unrest in Tamworth on 4 August, to help rebuild social trust and enhance community cohesion across the town.