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8th Nailsea Community Skate Festival, the biggest yet

Saturday 24th July saw the eighth annual Nailsea Community Skate Festival held at Millennium Park in Nailsea. The event, continues to increase in numbers, both in competitors and spectators, and this year was no different with the highest number of entries yet. The original idea for this event came from a church initiative back in 2003, not long after the Skate Park had opened. From that initially small event, the event has continually grown and developed.

This year for the first time the organisers acknowledged the growth in scooter activity in the Skate Park, and therefore added two new scooter categories to the competition that ran along side two BMX categories, three Skateboard categories and two Roller Blade categories. The total amount of entrants this year exceeded 40, and many hundreds of spectators lined the Skate Park in support of this event and to enjoy the talents being displayed.

As well as being a Skate event, the organisers Holy Trinity and Trendlewood Church, and Christian Surfers UK, have tried to introduce other entertainment throughout the afternoon. This year live music was provided by two talented acts, singer/song writer Tash McCoy who came all the way from Kent, and Diego, an Indie Rock band from Bristol. In addition the DJ providing the sounds to skate by were provided Gloucester based DJ Steve Clark, a big thanks to all of them for supporting the event.

Surrounding the Park were numerous marquees and tents, and a mobile cinema showing previous DVDs of this very popular Nailsea community event. As well as refreshments, crepes, and BBQ, there were also some reflective areas which gave the option to relax on settees, and write down any thoughts on the event,  write down any prayers people may have had on an old skate ramp.

The event director Phil Williams stated ‘We was very pleased with the success of this years Festival, and for the eighth year running there was no rain what so ever, so someone must be looking after us !!. I would like to thank  all involved in not only the funding of this event, but also to the 70+ volunteers, in the main from Holy Trinity and Trendlewood Churches, who gave up their time to put on a great community event’.

The event could not have been run with out the support from many different organisations, including North Somerset Council, Nailsea Town Council, Nailsea Community Trust, Nailsea Chamber of Trade and Commerce, as well as the Church community. Christian Surfers oversee the Skate Festival and bring with them the safety gear and knowledge of running the event.

The biggest thanks must go to the competitors, all of which behaved impeccably throughout and put on a great display for the hundreds of spectators, parents, supporters and friends, who enjoyed the atmosphere around the park for the afternoon.

At the prize giving presentation there were trophies for the winners and Holy Trinity Church vicar, Reverend Jolyon Trickey, presented a challenge to the crowds as well as acknowledging the great support we have had from the community for this event.

Stand out winners from the competition included Dan Brain who wowed the crowed with some incredible somersaults in the Roller Blade category, James Threlfall ( Melksham ) was outstanding and won the Skate over 15 category, and Cardiff’s Jamie Richards who won the Under 12 Skate category at the tender age of 8. Nailsea residents  did not miss out with winners in the Scooter under 12’s by Liam Strawford, and with ‘DJ’ winning the Scooter over 12 category. Winners in the BMX included Ben Edney from Nailsea in the Under 14’s, and Liam Cottey in the over 14’s.

A  massive thanks to all those involved, for the great way in which all the youngsters were able to display their skills to a very high standard, in a really positive community event, and for the support of their friends, parents and the wider Nailsea community. Big thanks to God for keeping it dry for the eighth year running.

The annual Nailsea Community Skate Festival’s seems to be going from strength to strength, and if you would like to get involved in the organisation or fund raising for next year festival, please contact Phil Williams at Phil@christiansurfers.co.uk.

For more information and photo’s, log onto www.christiansurfers.co.uk  and for more information on Holy Trinity Church and Trendlewood Church, and churches together in Nailsea log onto www.htnailsea.org.uk