Guides, Brownies and Rainbows enjoy Mega Mayfest

Mega Mayfest was staged by Girlguiding Nottinghamshire on Saturday May 7, and saw more than 900 festival-goers get together at Newark Showground including members of Rainbows (aged 5-7), Brownies (7-10), Guides (10-14), Rangers, Young Leaders and Senior Section (14-25) plus adult leaders and volunteer helpers from all over the county.

Joining in the fun were Guides from Rainworth, Skegby, Kirkby and Sutton-in-Ashfield.

Ellie Cleever, 13, of 1st Skegby Guides, said: “It’s great to meet Rainbows, Brownies and Guides from other groups and we got to try all sorts of things we’ve never done before.”

Emily Matchett, a young leader with 1st Kirkby-in-Ashfield Guides and Brownies, added: “This has been a wonderful opportunity for everyone to see how big Guiding is.

“Plus it’s been a great chance to have lots of fun – and I’ve really enjoyed the live music.”

Local favourites The Burgundys performed live during the afternoon and the evening programme featured sets by four-piece rock band Desensitised, singer/songwriter Joseph Knight and party band Hype.

3rd Rainworth Brownies members Evie Taylor and Ella Beardsley, both nine, also enjoyed the event.

Evie said: “I think it’s really good that Brownies get to know what camping overnight is like. We also got to meet new friends and come to a new place.  

“All the activities were fun, but I especially enjoyed the trampolining.”

Ella added: “I’ve loved all the arts and crafts.  Being in Brownies is really fun, active and artistic. It makes you feel like you want to keep coming and it’s great if you like going to different places.”

Other activities included trampolines, crafts, inflatables, drumming, glitter tattoos, magicians, a photo-booth and festival food, plus a special animal enclosure run by White Post Farm.

Mega Mayfest was the last official event for Girlguiding Nottinghamshire’s outgoing county commissioner Kate Royse.

She said: “What a mega day!After five fabulous years as county commissioner for Girlguiding Nottinghamshire, I can’t think of a better way to say thank you to all the girls across Notts who have helped make my job so rewarding – and such fun.”

Girlguiding Nottinghamshire is the largest girls-only organisation in the county and has over 9,000 members supported by some 2,000 adult leaders and helpers.

For more information about volunteering and working with Girlguiding Nottinghamshire visit www.girlguidingnottinghamshire.org.uk.