A fairground on the site of the former Boddan Lodge proved a hit amongst the community, as did numerous market stalls selling handmade crafts, local produce, and refreshments.
Following the success of the event, Marie Hargreaves’s, Monton Mingle Lead at the MVCA, urged locals to keep supporting these events and the local businesses in Monton.
Debbie Reeves, owner of the Garden Bar, headline sponsor of the event, also praised Monton for its community spirit, and alluded to the possibility of market-style events in the restaurant in future.
Organised by Monton Unitarian Church in partnership with Monton Village Community Association (MVCA), the event will include market stalls, children’s entertainment, food and confectionary, a floral workshop and community art installation, live entertainment and a two-day fun fair.
Most of the event, which runs from 11am until 7pm, will take place in the grounds of Monton Unitarian Church and there is something of interest for everyone in the community. The headline sponsor is The Garden Bar.
For foodies, there’s local honey, cakes & biscuits and cream teas alongside a range of wellbeing products. Blossom by La Turka will mixing up delicious mock-tails, Common Ground Coffee will be providing hot drinks and the Monton Van will be offering a range of tasty food and snacks.
Live entertainment will include live music throughout the day plus the Blue Bell will be running live music events during the day and into the evening.
For younger family members there will be plenty of games and entertainment including appearances from Louby Lou the clown, a Disney Princess meet and greet and special guests, Paw Patrol’s Chase and Marshall who will be attending between 1-4pm.
The fun fair includes tea cups and a waltzer and will be open on both Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th July from 11am-7pm.
MVCA will be hosting a raffle with fantastic prizes from local businesses. Volunteers will be wearing yellow t-shirts and visitors can buy tickets from allocated sellers and the event information stall.
Marie Hargraves, Director of Monton Summer Mingle is impressed by the involvement and support of local businesses, and is encouraged by so many different community groups coming together to make this event one to remember.
She says: “We are lucky to have so many thriving businesses here in Monton and we’re delighted that so many of them are keen to get involved either by having their own stalls at the event or through sponsorship and promotion of the event.
“Platinum sponsor The Garden Bar has played a pivotal role in this event coming together alongside Blossom by La Turka and The Blue Bell.
“The Summer Mingle isn’t just about raising funds for the Unitarian Church and MVCA to help the wider community; we want to benefit local businesses by bringing more people into Monton to enjoy everything they have to offer and bring our community closer.”
Victoria Smith, Volunteer Manager, said: “Everyone has worked so hard bring this wonderful summer event to life over many months. We’d like to pay a special thanks to our volunteers as we couldn’t do anything without them.
“We have a great team of people who give back to their community and we’ll be looking to repay them with a fun experience and lots of snacks throughout the day to keep them going. La Turka is also very kindly hosting a wrap party for all our volunteers.”