Such fun, what an experience!
From Charlotte Chambers:
I had absolutely no idea what to expect from Willfest25. This was my first ever time attending the event, let alone volunteering or performing. On top of that, the event had scaled up massively since the previous year, going from the CEO of the charity’s back garden to the gorgeous venue at Mapperley Farm. So, you could definitely say I was shocked when I arrived and was immediately thrown into it all.
A team of volunteers had already spent the evening transporting and setting up gazebos and stages, so when we arrived the next afternoon to finish the setup, it wasn’t too hectic. That said, there was still plenty of running around as we tried to get everything in place and direct the arriving stallholders. That afternoon, I felt like I’d become a jack of all trades, hanging flowers on the acoustic stage, greeting stallholders, and stringing up Willfest T-shirts from across the years like I was pegging out washing to dry. Around me, it felt like a whirlwind as volunteers dashed around, frantically doing the final touches before the public arrived.
As much as I’d love to say everything went exactly to plan, it didn’t. And honestly? That’s completely fine. Nothing ever really tends to go to plan at events like this, but all the volunteers handled it like pros. Despite last minute changes like moving the entrance, changing the layout, and preparing for the looming torrential downpour (that luckily held off until the very last performance), everything came together beautifully. So much so that I actually got to soak in the atmosphere, and plenty of rain, and enjoy the day, which is something that rarely happens when volunteering. I’m happy I got to do this, as if I did spend the entire day manning the WTF stand or the entrance, I wouldn’t have been able to see just how amazing the event space and performances were.
Once you entered the farm, you were immediately welcomed by a buzzing festival village of sorts. This central hub was full of stalls run by local organisations including Erewash CVS, Our Crafty Place, Robin Cancer Trust, and Introverted Moves, and facepainting with Beth and Sarah. There was food from Amy’s Bakes, Charls For The Love of Food, and Oakfield Farm. Of course, I had to try something from each of them, and yes, it was all insanely delicious.
Right in the middle of it all stood the iconic green WTF gazebo, packed with event merch, sweets, mental health resources, and handmade bracelets made by our volunteer Amelia and yours truly (I promise I’m not biased).
To the right of this area was a field containing the main stage and DJ booth, surrounded by a horseshoe of gazebos and hay bale seating. There was a stunning flower heart photo stand kindly donated for the event by Curios, who we had met at Nottingham Pride earlier this year. I took so many photos here.
The acoustic stage and kids’ entertainment area was tucked away in the cobbled courtyard of the farm. This spot quickly became my favourite and I know I am definitely not alone in thinking this. With flowers throughout the yard and fairy lights strung along the archway entrance, it felt insanely intimate and magical. I was lucky enough to perform my first ever set there, and it was such a privilege to do so, there were even Dru With Ju yoga sessions held in one of the rooms. Also, when the heavens finally did open, the bar located there became insanely rammed. Turns out nothing unites people more than music, a pint, and a sudden downpour.
When I say the event went insanely well, I mean it. Even when the rain did finally arrive and gazebos started taking off, it did not dampen the party or the vibes. People kept on dancing and singing in the rain. I remember being there for the final performance, jumping in puddles with some of the volunteers, completely soaked but loving every single second of it. Everywhere I looked, people were having fun, smiling, and just living. It felt like a big celebration of community, generosity, and music. The raffle prizes, kindly donated by local businesses and volunteers, were a huge hit, and every single performance, from solo acoustic sets to full on bands, brought something special to the day. But what really stood out to me from the whole experience was the generousity. Every person who gave up their time, energy, talents, and support made Willfest25 a truly unforgettable experience. I’m so proud to have been a part of this and the message that WTF spreads with events like this. This will definitely be the first of many, many more Willfests to come for me.
