VOLFEST returned to Chelmsford High Street yesterday to mark National Volunteers Week 2024. Organised by Chelmsford CVS, this year’s event saw more than 50 local organisations take over Chelmsford High Street to showcase their charitable activities and highlight the benefits of volunteering for the community.
Celebrating communities working together
VOLFEST started in Chelmsford in 2019 as a festival dedicated to celebrating people working together for the benefit of all. Organisations in attendance at this year’s event included Cool To Be Kind, Sanctus, Farleigh Hospice, Wilderness Foundation and City of Chelmsford Mencap.
Across the day, attendees and passersby enjoyed music, food, and fun activities including an object handling table from Chelmsford Museum and the chance for little ones to make their own ‘friendship bead worm’ with Chelmsford Scouts. Remap volunteers were also on hand to demonstrate some of the equipment they’ve created for people with disabilities, while adorable pooches from Guide Dogs showcased their best behaviour.
Whilst exploring the many stalls, people could discover how Chelmsford’s rich and diverse voluntary sector supports communities across the district. Many visitors to the festival also took the opportunity to sign up for some of the hundreds of volunteer positions advertised at VOLFEST.
Honouring vital work
VolFEST 2024 also saw official visits from Deputy Lord Lieutenant Susie Cornell; The Mayor of Chelmsford, Cllr Janette Potter, and Deputy Mayor, Councillor Susan Sullivan, who personally thanked all the charities and volunteers present for their vital work.
BBC Essex’s Akylah Rodriguez was there recording interviews with the charities, as were the excellent team from Chelmsford Community Radio.
Music came from HotBox.
CEO of Chelmsford CVS, Lorraine Jarvis, says it was inspiring to see people exploring and signing up for volunteering opportunities through the festival:
“Every year at VOLFEST, there is such a great buzz in the high street and this year was no different. It’s important that we shout about the power of volunteering as a truly life-enhancing force for good, and I’d like to thank all of Chelmsford’s fantastic charities that turned out for our feel-good festival this week. It was wonderful to see the high street busy with curious visitors and passersby – chatting to stallholders, learning about volunteering, and signing up to support others. At Chelmsford CVS, we can’t wait for VOLFEST 2025 already!” – Lorraine Jarvis, CEO, Chelmsford CVS
