On Saturday 20th June, Stratford Park in Stroud came alive with colour, creativity, and community spirit as we co-hosted our first Great Big Climate Circus event with partners World Jungle, Cotswold National Landscape, Ernest Cook Trust, and Bromford Flagship.
It was a pleasure to see so many young people showcasing their talents, having their voices heard, and being seen by their communities. It was joyful, celebratory, and focussed on our connection to nature and the environment.
Celebrating nature was easy to do in the glorious weather, and hundreds of local people joined us on the day, taking part in everything from Can’t Sit Still’s communal sock blanket weaving, to whipping up your own smoothie on Access Bike’s smoothie bike. A sea of bubble drifted by as the tug of war kicked off with School of Larks’ trapeze artists performing only meters away. The big top, curated by On The Brink Arts and Art For Action, displayed art and performance work by young people from Stroud, Dursley, and Gloucester. The atmosphere of the day was electric. There was laughter, wonder, and the kind of community connection that reminds us why this work matters.
From the beginning, this project aimed to celebrate nature and climate action, rather than wallowing and falling into the doom and gloom of climate anxiety. We all showed that sustainability can be exciting, inclusive, and joyful.
A huge thank you to our partners, our wonderful community, and everyone who made the day so magical. We can’t wait to do it again this Saturday, 11th July, in Dursley.
image by Andrea Fiodi andreafiodi.com | Documentary Photographer
image by Andrea Fiodi andreafiodi.com | Documentary Photographer
image by Andrea Fiodi andreafiodi.com | Documentary Photographer
image by Andrea Fiodi andreafiodi.com | Documentary Photographer