The Big Picnic: Putting The Unity in Community!
On 21st June, Redcatch Park will once again be the vibrant heart of community spirit as it hosts The Big Picnic a free, community-led celebration set to bring together residents of Knowle and South Bristol, for a full day of fun, connection, and local pride.
Organised by the Friends of Redcatch Park, the award-winning group known for their dedication to the park, the event follows the success of their 2023 community balloon launch, which drew over 2,000 attendees across the day. This year promises even more, with an expanded programme of activities from sunrise to evening.
A Day Full of Local Colour and Connection
The Big Picnic kicks off at sunrise with a balloon launch and yoga session, setting a peaceful and uplifting tone. The day continues with a general fitness session and breakfast provided by Yew Tree Farm, Bristol’s last working farm. Throughout the day, the park will be alive with activity:
• Community stalls featuring local groups, services, and initiatives
• Fitness and recreation taster sessions including tennis, football, yoga and dance fitness
• Children’s crafts and activities
• Live music and performances by Battala Samba Band plus others
• All-day community cinema in Redcatch Community Garden Canopy
• Food stalls and a bar
• A sunset balloon launch will cap off the day
This year, South Bristol Voice is proud to return as a sponsor of The Big Picnic. We were delighted to support the very first event and are thrilled to be back for this bigger, better, and more ambitious celebration of community. In a time when togetherness and local pride matter more than ever, we believe the message behind The Big Picnic is not only powerful but necessary. It’s exactly the kind of initiative we love to champion—grassroots, inclusive, and full of heart. We’re very happy to be involved again and to play a part in helping this become a cherished annual tradition for Knowle and the wider South Bristol area.
The Friends of Redcatch Park have already put in a huge amount of work behind the scenes, and knowing the scale, cost, and coordination involved, it’s clear they’ve taken on a herculean task. Thankfully, they’re not alone—generous local businesses like Cleverley Builders, Matthews & Co, ERB Printers, Bristol Beer Factory, Redcatch Community Garden, and of course South Bristol Voice have all stepped up to sponsor the event, each digging deep and showing real commitment to helping deliver a celebration for the whole community.
To help raise additional funds and support the ongoing work of the organisation, the Friends will also be running a Grand £1 Raffle, with all proceeds going towards the event and their other park initiatives. The top prize? A spectacular balloon flight over Bristol! Once again, Knowle’s generous spirit is on full display, with otherprize donations pouring in from local favourites such as Truffled of Totterdown, The Bank Restaurant, Farrows Fish & Chips, The Park Centre and Rock Choc Café—and with many more expected to join in.
But they can’t do it without people power. As the organisers put it: “We had 30 volunteers for the first balloon launch—this time we’re going to need about 50. But we know our fellow Knowlers won’t let us down.” So, if you’d like to volunteer, or if you’re a non-profit organisation or local trader and want to be part of the day, now’s the time to get in touch!
A Vision Beyond the Picnic
The Friends of Redcatch Park hope to make The Big Picnic an annual tradition and a model for community events across Bristol. With more volunteers, more partnerships, and more local love, it’s not just an event—it’s a movement.
Beyond the festivities, the event aims to foster community cohesion, promote greener thinking, and enhance local pride. By shining a light on all that Knowle has to offer and encouraging residents to engage with their surroundings, The Big Picnic hopes to inspire lasting change—boosting safety, inclusion, and a stronger sense of belonging.
As the slogan says, they’re “putting the unity in community”—and inviting everyone to be part of something meaningful and joyful this midsummer’s day.
See you there!
For more information please contact:
hello@friendsofredcatchpark.com
07976 733677
