Pilning and Severn Beach History Group

Severn Festival Forerunners

 

The first fund raising ‘fun -days’ held in Severn Beach were to raise funds to buy a piece of land and build the village hall so that the community had a space to come together and enjoy leisure time.

For several years from 1946 there was an Annual Horse Show, Gymkhana and Horticultural Show run by the Severn Beach Entertainments Committee. Swimming Galas, Whist Drives, Socials and Dances were held, and prizes were contributed by local trades people.

 

There were 1-mile and 2-mile races (several laps of a track where Gorse Cover Road now stands), as well as arena events for jumping, children’s riding and classes for Horse Turnouts.

 

 

By 1965 the field had been purchased and a wooden pavilion was in place and the Parish Council had provided swings and slides to fund a children’s play area. The pavilion was now not large enough to hold the numerous village events being organised. ICI, a national business, local to the area offered to contribute to a new hall. Fundraising began anew.

 

It took until 1974 to build, a Severn Beach Village Week took place from Saturday August 3rd to Saturday August10th 1974. It was a huge fund-raising effort with events every day and a Thank You from the Village Hall Committee.

It was officially opened in 1975.

 

In 1977 Pilning held its first May Day Carnival an event that was so successful it carried on until 2012.

 

Severn Beach now hosts the very successful Severn Festival started with the Forgotten Landscape in 2017. Now that the project has ended Severn Beach continues to host this amazing event growing in success and popularity.

 

The traditions continue.