In 2019, our amazing army of volunteers up and down the country continued to raise awareness of the JST and bring in funds so we can continue our work. Here we remember one of the highlights – a very soggy pumpkin festival back in October organised by our Southampton branch.

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Another amazing Pumpkin Festival, it really was incredible to see so many people turn up in spite of the challenging weather. This has been such an important year for the JST, so to have the local community continually come out to support us is brilliant.

A big thanks should go to all the stallholders – it wouldn’t have been the same without the stalls coming along and showcasing the best the community has to offer – all helping the Southampton branch raise thousands of pounds for the JST.

Our Pumpkin Festival volunteers have long established links to local and national businesses and community groups. Their contributions both in terms of manpower and funding this year were especially welcome as it was the wettest festival in it’s 21 year history. We’ll take the comparisons to Glastonbury!   

We would like to thank the ‘Knights of St Columba’, a charity group who raise funds themselves through volunteering at events and donating to good causes in the community. They very kindly waived their fee for the car parking this year which is extremely generous and has helped maintain the viability of the Festival. 

We would also like to thank the Community Champions from the various branches of Asda who volunteered in the hospitality marquee serving hot drinks, as well as Pumpkin Curry and JST treasure hunt stalls. They then match-funded the amount raised – again, huge thanks.  

A date for your 2020 diaries – next year the festival will be on the 10th October. We’ll stash some sunshine away if you promise us you’ll get the date in the diary and spread the word too? 

Members of our brilliant Southampton branch have gone on to raise over £1800 since the festival too – with stalls at Christmas fairs and other community events. We’re so grateful for everything you do.

If you want to find out more about the event, follow them on Facebook @JSTPumpkinFest