Tag: Castle Vale Community Festival

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FEATURE: “It’s just brilliant to be here,” over a twelve hundred locals and visitors attend Castle Vale Community Festival

Family after taking part in the Colour Run at Castle Vale Community Festival ’25 / Photograph by Tracy Fisher

Words by Tracy Fisher

On Saturday 30 August, Castle Vale Community Festival returned to Farnborough fields – as organised by The Pioneer Group and Compass Support.

Despite the wind and rain, The Pioneer Group reported over 1,200 Castle Vale locals and visitors attended throughout the event – enjoying a free fun-filled afternoon exploring a variety stalls, activities, and entertainment.

Laura Grigg, Compass Support Community Hubs Manager, told Castle Vale Local: “This is a great opportunity for the whole community to come together, and we have got quite a few of our partners here today… it’s an opportunity for people to highlight what they do in the community.”

The festival also offered local businesses the chance to showcase their work. Rachel Beard, who runs Raquel’s Decoupage and Crafting, told: “I’m based on Castle Vale [and] I just love coming out and meeting the community.”

She added: “It’s about meeting people, making connections and just having a good vibe on the day; it’s just brilliant to be here”.

Activities and attractions included the Animal Man, aka Nature’s Burrows, who proved popular with young and old alike.

Paget Rangers FC offered youngsters free football coaching sessions, and there was live music from Birmingham Irish Pipes and Drums, alongside face painting, soft play and bouncy castles for children.

Luke McClean, from YoungStars Community Hub, said: “We’ve been going around speaking to all the community, meeting some of our obviously regulars who come to youth club [and] advertising a little bit about what we do.”

McClean also praised the YoungStars dance acts who demonstrated their talents in the main arena to the sounds from festival hosts, Switch Radio.

Mid-afternoon, crowds suddenly dispersed and made a dash for the start of the annual Colour Run.

Castle Vale resident Tiffany, who brought along her family to the event and took part in the Colour Run, summed up what the festival means for locals.

She explained: “It’s brilliant they brought the festival back to Castle Vale; it’s a great turnout, lots to do and the colour run was good fun.”

PICTURE GALLERY #1: Castle Vale Community Festival / Photographs by Tracy Fisher

PICTURE GALLERY #2: Castle Vale Community Festival / Photographs by Darren Dodd

For more on The Pioneer Group visit www.pioneergroup.org.uk and for more on Compass Support visit www.compass-support.org.uk

The Pioneer Group and Compass Support are key partners in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme – supporting independent local and community journalism.

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OPINION: A View from the Vale – a message from Castle Vale Councillor Ray Goodwin

Castle Vale Councillor Ray Goodwin – standing on Castle Vale High Street / Photograph supplied by Birmingham Labour

Words by Cllr Ray Goodwin

This past month in Castle Vale has been one of the busiest I can remember, but also one of the most rewarding. Every week has reminded me just how special our estate is, and how lucky I am to serve such an incredible community.

At the heart of my work has been the drive to make Castle Vale cleaner and greener. From joining residents at community litter picks to working with partners on environmental projects, I’ve seen the pride people take in their neighbourhood. That same determination is guiding our efforts to tackle rising energy costs, as I explore ways we can help residents reduce bills and make homes more sustainable.

One of the highlights of the month was the Castle Vale Community Festival. It was fantastic to see families, neighbours, and friends coming together to celebrate what makes this estate unique – its energy, diversity, and spirit of togetherness. Events like this show Castle Vale at its very best.

We’ve also taken time to reflect and remember, particularly through the commemoration of VJ Day. Standing alongside residents to honour those who served was humbling, and it reminded me how important it is to inspire the next generation of leaders here in Castle Vale.

It’s been a busy month, but if anything, the pace is only increasing. I know big things are coming for our community, and I’m determined to keep putting Castle Vale first – always.

For more on Cllr Ray Goodwin www.facebook.com/thisiscastlevale

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COMMUNITY ANCHORS: Strengthening connections across Castle Vale

Chief Executive Officer of The Pioneer Group, Simon Wilson / Photograph by Phil Greig – supplied by The Pinoeer Group

Words by Simon Wilson, Chief Executive Officer – The Pioneer Group & Compass Support

At the heart of our work is our pledge to listen, engage, and improve how we connect and work together with our community. Across Castle Vale, we’re making real progress in strengthening our communications and ensuring customers feel informed and involved.

This summer, we’re excited to welcome everyone to our Community Festival on Saturday, 30 August. It’s a brilliant opportunity to come together, celebrate what makes Castle Vale special, and show the great work taking place across Castle Vale. Whether you’ve lived here for years or just moved in, we’d love to see you there.

We’re also hosting a Financial Wellbeing Drop-In on Thursday, 18 September at The Sanctuary, offering practical support and advice to help people manage their finances.

Alongside this, we’re continuing to deliver our Listening Hubs across the estate, these are spaces where you can meet the team, share your views, and hear about what’s happening locally. I’d really encourage you to come along, get your voice heard, and help shape the future of Castle Vale.

You can find these sessions in the latest printed edition of Erdington Local (page 9) or on our Social Media: ThePioneerGroup (Facebook), pioneergroup_ (Twitter/X)

On the housing front, I’m proud to share that through our Windows and Doors Programme, we’ve now completed installations in 1,480 homes, representing an investment of over £7.1 million. We remain on track to complete the programme this autumn, delivering warmer, safer homes for our customers.

Together, we’re building a stronger, more connected Castle Vale. Thank you for being part of it.

For more on The Pioneer Group visit www.pioneergroup.org.uk and for more on Compass Support visit www.compass-support.org.uk

The Pioneer Group and Compass Support are key partners in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme – supporting independent local and community journalism.

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COMMUNITY ANCHORS: Castle Vale Community Festival returns on Saturday 30 August – bigger and better for 2025!

Colour Run at previous Castle Vale Community Festival – organised by The Pioneer Group / Photograph supplied by Castle Vale Local

Words by The Pioneer Group

(Ed’s note… this column was written the June/July Erdington Local newspaper and first published, in print, on Thursday 12 June.)

The Pioneer Group is thrilled to announce the return of the Castle Vale Community Festival, taking place on Saturday, 30 August 2025 at Farnborough Fields, next to Castle Vale Stadium, 12midday till 6pm.

Following the overwhelming success of last year’s event, which drew over 1,000 attendees, this year’s festival promises even more excitement and entertainment.

The 2025 programme will feature a children’s colour run which comes back by popular demand, alongside a full day of live performances, family-friendly activities, food, music, and more.

Stalls at previous Castle Vale Community Festival – organised by The Pioneer Group / Photograph supplied by Castle Vale Local

Jo Fieldhouse, Housing & Community Director at The Pioneer Group, shared: “The Castle Vale Community Festival is a celebration of the people who make this estate such a great place to live.

“It’s a chance for everyone on Castle Vale to come together and have fun. We’re thrilled to bring it back this year and can’t wait to see everyone there.”

The festival is a proud continuation of Castle Vale’s fantastic community spirit.

After the success of the 2024 Colour Run and Festival, the message from residents was clear – “Let’s do this every year!” and now, it’s official, Castle Vale Festival is back.

This is a community-led event, and everyone is invited to take part. Here’s how you can contribute:

  • Volunteer – Help plan, set up, run the day, or clear up afterward.
  • Sponsor – Support the festival and showcase your brand.
  • Donate – Every contribution helps us do more.
  • Run a Stall – Join our bustling marketplace.
  • Perform – Bands, dance crews, solo acts—we want to hear from you!

Stay tuned for updates, announcements, and the full schedule of events via The Pioneer Group’s social media channels.

For more on The Pioneer Group visit www.pioneergroup.org.uk and for more on Compass Support visit www.compass-support.org.uk

The Pioneer Group and Compass Support are key partners in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme – supporting independent local and community journalism.