Popular Somerset skate festival could end if new organisers aren't found

Mike Taylor

17 June 2024 at 10:41 am·3-min read

A popular skate festival set to be held next month could be its last after the organisers called for volunteers to take on the event. Nailsea Skate Park Festival sees skaters and BMX-ers from across the area pack into Millennium Park to show off their skills and compete against one another in the town.

This year's event, which has been held since 2003, will be at the traditional venue of the Millennium Park in Nailsea, on Saturday, July 13 between 1pm and 5pm. But the organisers are now looking for a "younger crew" to take on the beloved event after admitting this year would be its last under current organisers.

Founder of the event, Phil Williams, said: "It’s been an incredible journey from the very first time we thought about holding a small scale skateboard event at the original skatepark, just after it was opened, and to see how the event has grown has been a real encouragement, with so many of the community involved. It’s also fair to say that without the history of Skate Park Festival, raising £119,000 that we had to do to get the new skate park built, would have been far far more difficult.

"I want to thank all of those who have faithfully given up their time to help myself as we have run this event, and very much hope that other people will now get alongside this, and turn it into something equally as exciting.

"Myself and the team are very proud of what has been achieved and want to say a huge thanks to other key organisations that have been involved from year one, especially Holy Trinity and Trendlewood churches, Nailsea Town Council for always believing and supporting the event, Nailsea community trust, North Somerset Council and Christians together in Nailsea."

The festival was originally set up by Holy Trinity and Trendlewood Church, Christian Surfers UK and community groups including Nailsea Town Council and Nailsea Community Trust. They were forced to pull the plug on last summer’s festival after struggling to find volunteers to work on the planning of the event.

The skatepark continues to be a focus for people of all ages, to perform the sport they love in a healthy environment and remains a massive resource for the town and surrounding area.

Organisers want to go out with a bang, with skateboard, scooter and BMX competition, with stalls and activities to participate in and food and drink. Nailsea Skate Park Festival also aims to highlight what goes on in Nailsea and the surrounding areas, for all those attending the festival.

Any organisations interested in displays at the Skate Park Festival should e-mail Adam at adam.griffin@htnailsea.ork.uk and you will be sent a booking form. Anyone who would like to be involved or at least look at the potential of being involved in future years are advised to contact Phil Williams phil@christiansurfers.co.uk.

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