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Community unites to host area’s ‘biggest’ free event
Residents are hosting the area’s “biggest known free community event”, which will include balloon ascents, a dog show, a rugby match, disco and a raffle among other experiences.
The Big Picnic scheduled for Saturday is an extended version of a community balloon launch hosted by Friends of Redcatch Park in 2023, which saw more than 2,000 attendees.
Returning in 2025, the event in Knowle’s Redcatch Park is a“bigger, better and more ambitious celebration of community” that the organisers hope will transpire into an annual tradition.
is needed now More than ever
In a post on Facebook the chair for Friends of Redcatch Park, Sian Ellis-Thomas said: “It’s about getting together, having fun and also showing off all the amazing community groups we have in Knowle.
Nearly 2,000 people attended the community balloon launch in 2023, which then inspired the Big Picnic in 2025
She continued: “The event is in collaboration with our sister groups, Redcatch Community Garden (RCG) and Jubilee Pool. Both will play a major part on the day.
“RCG will host the all-day cinema in the canopy, and the Jubileevers will be fundraising for their new roof initiative.”
Apart from RCG and Jubilee Pool, more than 20 community groups will be rallying their support for the initiative spearheaded by Friends of Redcatch Park.
Celebrations on the day will kick off with a solstice swim at Jubilee Pool and a balloon launch at Redcatch Park, where attendees can later feast on “soul-soothing breakfast” options from Yew Tree Farm and Rebel Rox.
The residents behind Friends of Redcatch Park have been dedicating time and effort to restore their “beloved” local park since 2002. With an initiative like the Big Picnic, the idea is to put “the unity in the community”.
All members of Friends of Redcatch Park volunteer time and effort to help their local park improve and grow
A spokesperson of the community group said: “In a time when togetherness and local pride matter more than ever, the organisers believe the message behind The Big Picnic is not only powerful but necessary.
“And they’re hoping it will become a cherished annual tradition for Knowle and the wider South Bristol area.
“The Friends of Redcatch Park have already put in a huge amount of work behind the scenes, and knowing the scale, cost, and coordination involved, it’s clear they’ve taken on a herculean task.
“Thankfully, they’re not alone as generous local businesses have all stepped up to sponsor the event, each digging deep and showing real commitment to helping deliver a celebration for the whole community.
“We had 30 volunteers for the first balloon launch—this time it’s taking over 100. But we know our fellow Knowlers won’t let us down.”
All photo: Friends of Redcatch Park
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