The committee behind Markethill Community Festival has issued an urgent appeal for new committee members to ensure the survival of their organisation.
Since 1977, an active committee for the Festival have ensured the year-on-year delivery of a range of events in the heart of their community.
Across these almost 50 years, their hundreds of well-planned events have not only sought to bring the community together, but have also successfully raised thousands of pounds for various charitable causes.
Among their most notable community-centric work, the team behind Markethill Festival ensured a heart-warming house-call was made in December 2023 to one very special little girl, by Santa and his elf, when she was too unwell to visit the grotto in person.
They also celebrated their 45th anniversary, with a live BBC roadshow broadcast from Gosford Forest Park in 2022, featuring personalities Connor Phillips, Hugo Duncan and Vinny Hurrell and six local schools.
A special reception was also held in 2018 to honour the dedication and commitment of former Markethill Festival organiser, Betty Stewart – who had played a very active and “selfless” role in the festival for over 42 years.
However, following the recent departure of their former Chairperson, the committee are now urgently seeking a fresh influx of committee members, adding that if they don’t receive any interest – the organisation “could fold”.
Their next Annual General Meeting will be held on April 9. Ahead of the meeting the current committee members are asking anyone with interest to make contact.
As a volunteer, they say you can “help make a difference”, “shape the future of our work” and “be part of something bigger, meeting new people and giving back”.
No experience is needed to become invovled. All they ask is that you bring a “level of enthusiasm” with a number of roles available to suit your time and skills.
If you wish to express your interest please contact Helen by telephone on 077 9627 7257 or via email at markethillfestival@gmail.com.
