Andover’s much-loved family festival, A-Fest, returns to the High Street this Sunday, bringing a full day of free activities, live entertainment and community showcases forfamilies across the town.
Running from 10am to 3pm on Sunday 26th April, the event will once again see the town centre come alive with music, creativity and community spirit, as thousands of residents are expected to attend.
A-Fest brings together a wide mix of local charities, organisations, clubs and businesses, giving families the chance to discover what’s available in their area, try something new and connect with their community.
This year’s event will feature a wide range of stalls and activities, including:
Hot Off The Printer ● Willow & Dusk ● Scents With Love ● Ts&Cs Coffee and Hot Drinks ● S&J Catering ● Sweet Ideas ● Youth Options ● SMASHIN IT ● Girlguiding Andover Division ● Keki’s Guinea Pig and Rabbit Rescue CIC ● Purbeck Ice Cream ● Street Flavours Catering ● Riverside Activity Zone ● Yellow Brick Road Projects ● The Three Bees Project ● Test Valley Brass● Cat’s Creations● Chapel Arts Studios ● Andover Mind – ‘Be You’ Project ● Otabe Ltd ● Me & My Dad Club ● Echo Jewellery ● The Abel Foundation ● Brock’s Arts and Printing ● Andover Police ● Police Cadets ● Andover Fire Station (with a fire engine) ● Victim Care Hub ● Ignite Your Power CIC ● Koala – More Education ● CaraJ Crafts ● Andover Community Events with Andover Carnival ● Ironsight Activities ● Girls’ Brigade ● Life Bus ● Hampshire and Isle of Wight Youth Commission
There will also be fairground rides, food and drink, and a packed programme of activities throughout the day, including the return of the popular therapy goats from The Three Bees Project and a chance to explore emergency service vehicles.
A key part of the event is its accessibility, with a number of free activities available for families, including face painting, henna designs and a range of arts and crafts sessions delivered by local organisations.
Live entertainment will run throughout the day on the main stage, featuring a mix of local performers including dance groups, choirs and bands, with appearances from DeeDee, Suzanne School of Dancing, Lani Clayton, Test Valley Brass, Grateley House Band, Mad Melodies, The Wobblies and Stonesyrup.
Dmitrijs Meiksans, festival director, said:
“A-Fest is all about bringing people together and showcasing the incredible opportunities available for young people and families in our community. It’s a day where you can come down, try something new, meet local organisations and simply enjoy being part of Andover. We’re really looking forward to welcoming everyone back this Sunday”
A-Fest continues to grow year on year, with organisers committed to keeping the event free and accessible, particularly at a time when many families are looking for affordable ways to spend time together.
The festival is supported by Andover Town Council, Test Valley Borough Council, The DeeDee Trust, Hampshire County Council, Newbury Building Society and The Local Marketing Company.
Cliff Osborne, Newbury Building Society’s Andover Branch Manager, said:
“Newbury Building Society are proud to sponsor A-Fest this year because it represents our values of community, collaboration, and vibrancy. A-Fest brings together the people in and around Andover and we believe events like this create a great community spirit, as well as being lots of fun! Sponsoring A-Fest is one of the ways we give back to the community and we’re excited to be part of it!”
For more information about the youth festival, visit the website here. For the latest updates about the festival, visit A-Fest’s Facebook page.