Grant helps Thirsk and Sowerby festival mark decade of free fun

And a £500 grant from Broadacres’ Community Development Fund will help the Thirsk and Sowerby Festival mark its first decade in style.

“A lot of families are struggling financially so we want to put on a day where all the attractions are for free or at minimal cost so everyone can enjoy them,” said Ben Smith, Chair of the organising committee.

“The grant from Broadacres will help us to do that by covering the cost of various acts and prizes so everyone can enjoy an affordable day out.”

Ben was recruited as a 13-year-old schoolboy to be part of the planning for the first ever festival and now, ten years later, he’ll be overseeing the whole event as Chair.

“We have grown from an event that attracted 300 people to a soapbox derby and couple of food vans to one with up to 5,000 visitors, 75 stalls and event stage,” said Ben.

“In that time we have remained true to our original roots and this year will be the same, we want to provide an affordable day for local families to enjoy and also for local businesses to promote their services.”

The 2026 festival takes place on The Flatts on Sunday, August 2 and features a wide range of acts, including magician, owl display, bouncy castle, obstacle course, children’s soft play area and the ever popular soapbox derby.

New this year will be a community bus service to collect and return people from neighbouring villages.

The Broadacres Community Development Fund supports local organisations, groups, and projects in areas where Broadacres has homes.

All grants are approved by the Association’s own residents. Application are closed for the 2025/26 financial year but visit the Broadacres website for future funding opportunities – www.broadacres.org.uk