South Gloucestershire Council

Published: 07/09/2016

The Discover Festival is back for another year offering a host of opportunities for residents to discover and enjoy something new in South Gloucestershire.

South Gloucestershire residents can look forward to an exciting autumn thanks to Discover’s packed programme of over 280 events. The festival brings together events from local community groups, businesses and council services, offering everyone a chance to discover something new this autumn, whatever your age or interest.

So whether you want to learn something new, find a hobby, meet new friends, get out and about in nature, catch a performance or explore one of our historic buildings, there’s something on offer for you.

Cllr Heather Goddard, Chair of South Gloucestershire Council’s Environment and Community Services Committee, said: “Following months of preparation across South Gloucestershire, we are really looking forward to this year’s Discover Festival getting under way. Discover draws together a wide range of existing and new events throughout the district, and is a great way for residents to explore what’s happening in their local community and find a new interest. From Heritage Open Days and craft workshops to food taster sessions and outdoor activities, there is something for everyone to discover.”

A series of Heritage Open Days take place across the district this weekend as part of Discover and coinciding with the national Heritage Open Days initiative (8 to 11 September). Heritage Open Days provide a chance to see inside many interesting and historic venues across the UK. Events in South Gloucestershire this year include Winterbourne Medieval Barn and Winterbourne Parish Church opening their doors on Saturday 10 September (11am to 5pm). The church is located next door to the Medieval Barn, so offers a great opportunity to view both buildings in one visit and try out bell ringing with a mobile belfry. There’s also a chance to explore the early nineteenth-century Whiteshill Chapel on Fri 9 and Sat 10 September (10am to 5pm), which is celebrating its 200th anniversary this year, and the opportunity to ride a vintage bus between three venues – Avon Valley Railway at Bitton Station, Kingswood Heritage Museum and Warmley Signal Box – on Sunday 11 September (11am to 4pm).

Other Discover events taking place this weekend include a chance to sample local food and produce at the Chipping Sodbury Food and Drink Festival, which takes place in the town centre on 9 and 10 September (6pm to 11pm Friday and 10am to 4pm Saturday).

These are just a small selection of hundreds of opportunities to discover something new in South Gloucestershire during the festival which runs throughout September and October. Residents will get the chance to try their hand at judo, netball or tai chi, enjoy the beautiful South Gloucestershire countryside as part of National Walking Festival or visit an exhibition of the work of local artists and photographers. You can also discover your creative side at an art workshop or knitting session.

Now in its fifth year, the Discover Festival offers a unique opportunity for residents to find out what makes South Gloucestershire a great place to live and work, with a showcase of local groups, events and places, many of which you can enjoy all year round. There are a range of themes with something new for residents to try. Crafts, Nature, Learning, Heritage, Food, Arts, Active and Wellbeing. Over 180 events are free, for others there is a small fee. Some events require booking and are selling out fast – see the website for full details and links to book.

For last minute events and up to date festival news visit www.southglos.gov.uk/discover or like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/discoversouthglos