Janine
East Side Story, joined forces with a number of community groups and organisations in East Leeds to participate in a vibrant local festival celebrating the pinnacle of creativity in Gipton and Harehills.
Despite the rain, the festival triumphed, captivating attendees with an array of exhilarating activities during a memorable, family-oriented fun day. Attendees were invited to immerse themselves in a kaleidoscope of free workshops, circus skills, and the captivating art of swing dance on July 8th.
Attendees were also given a unique opportunity to explore their creative aptitude and indulge in an assortment of accessible and enjoyable writing challenges, courtesy of East Side Story. A number of budding journalists rose to the challenge and tried their hand at community reporting and storytelling.
These fun-filled celebrations served as part of a broader series of events launched as part of the illustrious Leeds 2023 Year of Culture, a momentous year-long commemoration honouring the city’s rich cultural heritage.
Significantly, the festival marked an important milestone for East Side Story, coinciding with the release of our inaugural printed edition. This momentous publication showcased local news and events, further amplifying the vibrant spirit and accomplishments of the community.
Natalie Tharraleos, the visionary behind East Side Story, said: “Being part of the Leeds 2023 event was an honour, as we merged talents and forged a formidable team. Our collection of interactive games and activities created an extraordinary experience.
“Everybody has a really interesting story to tell and one of the most enjoyable aspects of the day was seeing the power of community journalism coming alive for the local community.
“The diverse stories, experiences, and perspectives we encountered left a profound impact. Our lucky dip journalism task added a delightful twist, leaving us elated by the overwhelming positive feedback we received.”
This remarkable event not only drew a significant turnout but also united a diverse array of vendors, community groups, and organisations from across the city, embodying the spirit of collaboration and family-friendly fun.
The showcase unfolded at two prestigious venues: the Compton Centre in Harehills from 8am to 11am, and the Old Firestation in York from 4pm to 8pm. The morning segment witnessed an eclectic mix of delightful activities, including intricate henna tattoos, the age-old art of knitting, and stimulating writing challenges. Participants also had the privilege of crafting their own teabags and savouring the healthy herbal blends expertly concocted by the Culture Club. This taste of the festival’s offerings barely scratches the surface of its immense diversity.
The latter half of the festival enthralled attendees with an open-door policy for captivating workshops and mesmerising musical performances by local talents. This integration of artistic expression and skillful craftsmanship served as a testament to the vitality of the community’s creativity.
In essence, the festival, with its unyielding energy, diverse activities, and resounding success, epitomized the unwavering resilience and profound artistic prowess that lies at the heart of Gipton and Harehills.
