By Sophie Wheeler
Horsforth Hall Park was filled with colour and community spirit on Sunday as residents gathered for the launch of the very first Green Festival.
The festival, held to celebrate three years of Horsforth Climate Action, combined sustainability with family fun. With sunshine for most of the day, the event drew strong crowds and was widely praised for its friendly atmosphere.
It was organised by Horsforth Climate Action (HCA), in conjunction with Friends of Horsforth Hall Park.
Families joined the Fruit & Veg Parade, with children donning handmade masks and headpieces. “It’s really lovely that there’s so much for the kids to do,” said Elinor, a local resident. Karen Bullough also praised the day: “The children have loved it and done loads of things. It’s all free as well.”
The Produce Show showcased Horsforth’s homegrown talent with entries ranging from fruit baskets to quirky vegetables. Repair stalls run by the Horsforth Repair Café proved popular. Leeds Urban Harvest offered hands-on apple pressing.
For new Leeds resident Mohammed Ali, volunteering at the stall was a highlight: “I got to see new people and meet new people – it has been very good and very nice.”
What stood out most was the sense of togetherness. “This is amazing – the best thing we have ever had in Horsforth,” said Jemma McDonald. “It has brought everyone together without spending an absolute fortune.”
Long-time resident Phil Maud, who has lived in Horsforth for 70 years, added: “This is Horsforth at its best. Real people with real climate concerns. Wonderful people, wonderful atmosphere.”
Penny Lewis, Chair of Horsforth Climate Action, said the team were “delighted with the turnout and amazed at our luck with the weather.”
She added: “We wanted to create a community event that was sustainable, inclusive and family-friendly and from the feedback we’ve heard, we think we achieved that.”
The Green Festival capped off three years of Horsforth Climate Action, leaving organisers and residents optimistic about the future of climate action in Horsforth and what can be achieved when the community comes together
Find out more about Horsforth Climate Action and future activities by visiting the website and following on Facebook and Instagram. If you’d like to help by volunteering, e-mail the team at info@horsforthclimateaction.org to sign up and get involved.
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