21 July 2024
Vibrant Fareham community showcase draws record crowds
Thousands flocked to the Fareham Community Showcase this weekend, dwarfing the attendees of last year’s 250+ attendees.
The free event, hosted by Community First, offered visitors an exciting opportunity to discover a wide array of local charities, leisure clubs, groups, and voluntary organisations, and see how they could get involved and make a difference in their community.
Visitors mingled with representatives from over 60 exhibitors, including RSPCA Solent, The Rowans Hospice, Fareham Men’s Shed, The Rainbow Centre, and The Crafty Makery.
Held in the heart of Fareham, West Street, right opposite Fareham Shopping Centre, the showcase was supported and funded by Fareham Borough Council and attended by Mayor of Fareham, Councillor Pal Hayre who officially opened the event.
Tim Houghton, Chief Executive of Community First, said: “It was wonderful to see such a fantastic turnout for the event and people expressing interest in volunteering, we are all so pleased. I hope that visitors left feeling inspired to join one of our brilliant local groups.”
Councillor Pal Hayre, Mayor of Fareham, said: “This was a great opportunity to thank everyone from the local charities and organisations and to showcase their great work in our community.”
Debbie Grace, Voluntary Sector Engagement Manager at Community First, said: “A lot of hard work went into setting up this great community event. The weather was kind and the town was full of local people who could see the range of charities and voluntary groups that support all sections of the local community. I would like to thank everyone involved who made it a great success.”
Organisation’s attending said the event was a “good opportunity to support community and gain community exposure” and it was “very inclusive and very community-led”.
One visitor commented on how they’d “never seen the town centre this busy, even during the market. It’s great to see so many people.”
The programme of entertainment included TS Tenacity, Warsash Band, Ukes of Wallington, Fareham Musical Society, Locks Heath Tuneless Choir and Mandaleigh Dance Studio.