A community celebration organised by The Hub at Mulberry Park on Saturday 11 September, with help from local residents, businesses and organisations, was attended by more than 1,000 local people.

Scores of families flocked to The Hub, the community building at the heart of Curo’s 700-home development in Bath, Mulberry Park, to enjoy the activities on offer.

It’s the first time The Hub has hosted a community event since the start of the coronavirus pandemic. Visitors took part in a variety of activities, from bouncy castles, donkey rides, face painting and arts and crafts for kids to various taster sessions such as yoga and ballet classes for adults.

Hub Manager, Lizzie Irvine, says: “We wanted to celebrate the amazing communities of Mulberry Park, Foxhill and Combe Down and bring everyone together to have some fun after the difficulties of the pandemic.

“We estimate that more than 1,000 people joined us on the day, not just from Combe Down but also the wider Bath community. Huge thanks to all residents, businesses and organisations who helped us pull it all together – we certainly could not have done it without you. Thanks also to those who attended for making it all worthwhile, it was lovely to see so many smiling faces.”

The event was opened by The Mayor of Bath, Councillor June Player, who also led a litter pick session at the end of the day.

The Mayor says: “It was wonderful to be part of the Celebrate Combe Down event on Saturday and see residents enjoying a fun-filled day at this fantastic community hub.

“I thoroughly enjoyed talking with the stall holders and learning about what they do, including the Crisp Packet Project, a Community Interest Company, a most innovative recycling scheme as it so very much fits in with my Mayoral Theme which includes recycling. Congratulations to everyone involved for a very successful day!”

Foxhill residents Alice Dunn and her 8-year-old son were among the many people taking part in the festivities. Alice says: “We really enjoyed the event on Saturday. There was a great community feel, with a real buzz about the place. My son particularly loved the police dog demo, having his face painted and the hands-on science session. Thanks to The Hub for all their work and we hope to come along to more events in the future.”

Ian Gadd, Chair of the Mulberry Park Residents’ Association, says: “We were delighted to partner with the Hub to support Saturday’s Celebrating Combe Down event. It was wonderful to see so many local residents and visitors from elsewhere in Bath and it showed just how valued the Hub is as a community resource.”

Celebrate Combe Down was made possible by The Hub team, in collaboration with local organisations: Mulberry Park Educate Together School, Happy Days Nursery, Mulberry Park Residents’ Association, Dr Steph, Avon and Somerset Police, Citizens Advice Bureau, Combe Down Heritage Society, Curo, Crisp Packet Project, Combe Down Lifelong Learning/Library Group, Youth Connect South West, Nest & Vineyard Bath and Bath Sea Cadets.

The taster sessions were offered by local businesses who regularly hire the spaces at The Hub: The Singing Tree Wiltshire, Beats Dance Bath, Sheralie Margenout, Twinkles and YS Enquiring.