Heart of the Forest Festival

The Heart of the Forest Festival took place on Saturday 26th June in Measham, and the many thousands of visitors, whose expectations were high following last year´s event, were not let down, as they were treated to a spectacular extravaganza of colour and entertainment. An estimated 8000 people attended the Festival on probably one of the hottest days of the year so far.
As the crowds gathered, the roads of Measham were closed at 11.30am to allow the safe passage of the magnificent Parade, making its way through the village to the Festival Grounds. Approx 700 children were involved in the parade, from toddler groups to local schools and activity clubs, all from villages in the local area. The theme for the Parade this year was ‘Colours of Nations´, allowing groups to select a county/continent to represent, as well as giving the opportunity for other nationalities to represent their own country.

The parade had everything, the Colours of Nations, stilt-walkers, Caribbean costumes, several marching bands, all receiving great applause from the thousands lining the bunting clad streets of Measham. One of the entertainers in the Parade said, “We have attended many Festivals and Carnivals, all over the British Isles, and this is by far the best event we have ever been to. We just can´t believe how good this is, it would put many city events to shame if they could see it”.
Bob Bissell, Festival Chairman said, “What a great day this is for the local community, not one face without a smile on it. The Police, the Marshals, the sponsors and of course the organising committee, have all come together and proved how a community can make good things happen. I was especially delighted to see such a wonderful entry from our Polish residents, reinforcing the need for villages to embrace all nationalities, and bring everyone together as one thriving community.”

Once the Parade had cleared the High St, the remainder of the afternoon was hosted on the Measham Leisure Centre Grounds. Andrew Bridgen MP and Sophie Churchill, CEO of the National Forest Company declared the event formally open, just before the terrific flypast of an RAF Hurricane from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, which set the scene for lots more superb entertainment to follow.
Visitors and local residents were treated to the music and displays of the Derby Middies Marching Band, the Shirley Scottish Pipers, and the sounds of South American Samba before welcoming the London based ‘Imps´ to the arena, a world class Motor Cycle Display team, who will be appearing later this year at the Edinburgh Tattoo.
There was something for everyone, with over a 100 stalls and sides shows, not forgetting the Tight-rope walker and the fairground. Bob Bissell went on to comment, “The amazing thing about all of this is the dedication of the few that make it happen, that includes the local businesses who dig deep to ensure every single person has free entry. Where else can you go in Leicestershire and see all of this free entertainment for a whole day!”.
“I´d like to pay special thanks to all of our sponsors, but especially to our headline sponsor AB Produce, and to KNR Recruitment for their fantastic support, we couldn´t do it, or maintain it without them. And finally to everyone who came on the day, thank you for spending your time with us, we hope you all had a great day. But if you thought that was good, watch out for next year´s event, it´s going to get even better!