Heart of the Forest

Heart of the Forest Festival

Shaolin Warriors to appear at Forest Festival

Direct from China and for the first time ever in Europe, the world famous Shaolin Warriors will be appearing in the parade and in the arena at this year’s Heart of the Forest Festival, sponsored by AB Produce. The internationally acclaimed warriors have chosen the Festival as their last UK venue, before heading off on the final leg of their tour across Europe.

Theresa Brown, Festival Entertainment Manager said “This is a major scoop for the Festival, and a real treat for the community, as they will be treated to a session taken from their breathtaking theatrical Kung Fu show, which vividly depicts the rarely-seen Kung Fu masters’ feats of agility, strength and skill, using Buddhist meditation and their rigorous martial arts training. The Shaolin Warriors have been a huge hit across the globe, astounding audiences of all ages, and it’s a real honour for us to host them here in Measham.”

The Heart of the Forest Festival continues to grow, and now has the significant honour of being the largest village parade and festival in North West Leicestershire. Put that together with a whole afternoon of free entertainment, a world class act from China and a spectacular display of motorcycle stunts from two of the best riders in Europe, and Measham is certainly putting itself on the map as the beating heart of the new National Forest.

Businesses big and small have dug deep, even in this time of economic recession, to give the local communities in the area a day of celebration. Measham may be the host, but this is a day for all families and friends in the greater area to come together and enjoy a great day of fun and entertainment.

Bob Bissell, Festival Chairman said “ Where else in this country can you take a family out for the day, see a great parade, get free entry to an afternoon of top quality entertainment, and only pay for the ice creams. This year we also welcome the support of the Leicester Caribbean Carnival team, who will be providing costumes for local people in the parade, backed up by the rhythm of Birmingham’s premier samba band, before then being greeted on to the Festival Grounds to the sounds of a traditional Caribbean steel band. It’s definitely a day that should be in everyone’s diary

Through these pages you will be able to find all the information you need, whether it be to just find out what's happening when and where, or to engage with the Festival and take an active part in it.

The Heart of the Forest Festival originated from the result of the 2005 Measham Parish Plan, when nine out of ten of parishioners said an annual event was needed to build community spirit within the village. A number of volunteers got together to deliver the first festival in June 2007 - to over 5000 people!. The event was deemed an overwhelming success, and now the volunteer committee have well and truly established the Festival as a regular highlight in our local calendar.

The Festival celebrates and reflects the new environment in which we now live, at the heart of The National Forest, which now has more than seven million trees. The National Forest is about new surroundings, a green future and opportunities for relaxation and leisure in a beautiful setting. Measham and its surrounding villages have now become its beating heart, and although we must always respect our history and tradition as an old mining community, the time has come to move forward and celebrate all that is good about living and working in our new home, at the heart of The National Forest. The committee aims to keep the Festival as a FREE event, inclusive to all, with a particular focus on engaging the young and the elderly. The Festival may change slightly each year to keep it fresh, but it will always maintain its overall aim, a day of celebration and family fun for all who are fortunate to live and work in the heart of our new National Forest.

If you like more information on any part of this WEB Site please contact us

We look forward to seeing you on the day!

The Festival Committee