The organisors of a Newtown festival to promote kindness within the community have thanked those who supported the event which took place last month.

 

The Kindness Fest took place in the Town Hall Grounds on Saturday September 17th and saw many hundreds of people receive free food and drink as well as take part in free activities.

 

The event was funded by the North Powys Wellbeing Programme (a partnership of Powys Teaching Health Board and Powys County Council), Powys Together and Newtown and Llanllwchaiarn Town Council.

 

County Councillor for Newtown East Joy Jones had the original idea for the event earlier this year. “I was absolutely thrilled with the event; it was just what I’d imagined when I thought of what we could do. Everyone was so lovely - the staff, the visitors, the people representing organisations. It was such a lovely atmosphere and we’ve had some wonderful feedback from people who were there. It was just such a good day and hopefully helped people’s wellbeing at a time when household budgets are being squeezed.”

 

Cllr Jones added; “I’m so pleased with what we were able to do with a small team in such a short time. If it was possible, I’d love to do it again.”

With the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II earlier in the month, a two minutes’ silence – led by the Rev. Nia Wyn Morris, was held at the start of the event and visitors were given the opportunity to sign a book of condolence. Organisors, led by Jo Hughes and Donna Jenkins of Powys Together, also made a last minute change to the event title to reinforce the ethos of the event.

 

Donna Jenkins, added: “As entrance to the festival was free we don’t have an exact figure for how many people attended but we think more than 2,000 people came along and had a good day. We heard a lot from parents who said they thoroughly enjoyed the free activities and appreciated the free food that was available for everyone. We’re delighted with that but I must say we couldn’t have done it without the support of the local community and local businesses. They’ve been amazing.”

 

She explained that many businesses donated free food and drink or items for the free raffle. Others gave up their time to help or lent equipment to the event team.

Visitors to the site were also entertained in the music tent by local singer songwriter Tommy Mills, Charlotte Woodford of Lifebulb, Angel Voice Singing School’s Cathy Beech as well as DJ performances from Creative Stuff Newtown. Local musicians also took part in an Open Mic in the tent.

 

The organisations which donated items for the free raffle were:

• Café Glitz

• Parkers

• 7evern Island

• Infinity Care

• Cultivate

• Glo Tanning

• Silver Fish

• Argos

• Bloomers

• Ponthafren

• Iceland

• The Fish King

• Hilltop Honey

• Rainbows end

• Spar

• 23 Social

• Country Living Antiques

• H.L Owen

• Jacks Cafe

• Mollies

• Room 2

• Wetherspoons – The Black Boy

• Olivers

• Greggs

• Tesco

• Costa

• Evans Cafe

• Morgans

• Café Express

• Newtown IT Solutions

• U-strike

• Break out

• The Lantern

• Severn Park Café (bus station)

• Dial a ride

• Sidoli’s

• W H Smith

• Boots

• The Works

• Morrisons

• Newtown Carnival Committee

 

The following organisations and businesses were in attendance on the day:

• Open Newtown

• North Powys Wellbeing Programme

• Santander

• Oriel Davies

• Colourburst Jewellery

• Newtown Seventh Day Adventist church

• Hafren Dyfrdwy

• Creative Stuff Newtown

• Stwff and Things

• Maldwyn YFC

• Ponthafren

• Hughes Architects

• Powys County Council’s Youth Service

• Powys County Council’s Library Service (from Newtown library)

• Powys County Councils Family Information Service

• Sports Powys

• Action for Children

• Branching Out Forest School

• Sustrans

• PAVO

• St John Ambulance Cymru - Newtown

• Montgomeryshire Family Crisis Centre

• Hummingbird

• Queen of the Cranx

• Dyfed Powys Police

• Maldwyn Netball Club

• N-able

• Newtown Parkrun

• Newtown Carnival Trust

• The NPTC Group of Colleges

• Mid Wales Food and Land Trust

• PAVO

• Credu

• Hilltop Honey

• Newtown Integrated Family Centre/Early Help

• Period Dignity

• Freedom Leisure

• Newtown Theatre Co

• JPs Hog Roast

• ABC Polish Shop

• Newtown Rugby Club

• The Women’s Institute

• Tiger Blossom Facepainting

• Meg Tudor Hair Brading

• Ice Cream Van Wales

• Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service

• Morrisons

• Newtown Tennis Club

• Newtown Hockey Club

• Mid-Wales Bouncy Castles