Hobby Festival to become annual Slough event after successful first weekend

Following its success at the weekend, organisers plan to make the Hobby Festival an annual event to celebrate the creativity and diversity of Slough’s residents.

Langley Pavilion was transformed into a vibrant hub of creativity and community spirit on Saturday as more than 400 visitors attended the inaugural New Year, New Hobby Festival.

Organised by Viva Slough, the event brought together residents of all ages to explore a range of hobbies, performances and interactive workshops.

Over 60 hobby stands filled the newly refurbished venue, showcasing needle felting, henna art and crochet to cosplay, railway modelling, rangoli, drama, book clubs and wildlife projects.

A packed programme of live performances kept the atmosphere buzzing throughout the afternoon.

Musicians, choirs, dancers, spoken-word artists and performers took to the stage, including James Gibbons, violinist Sujit Prakash, Nathanael Koomson, Nihar, Natyology Dance Company, Datchet Morris Dancers, Fusion Choir, UTALIKA performers, Sanchari House Dance and Dancing Stars.

There was Zumba with Divya, live music demonstrations, and hands-on workshops such as rangoli, origami, crafting and live art.

Art producer and organiser Jho said: “This festival proved that creativity is everywhere in Slough. When you give people space to share what they love, the energy is contagious.”

The festival also hosted the Slough Explorer Contests, with prizes presented on stage to enthusiastic applause.

Makayla Ferreira won the Photo Contest, Ume Zahra claimed the Baking Contest title, Insha Raza won the Under-18 Singing Contest, and Pravalikka triumphed in the Scavenger Hunt.

Deputy Leader of Viva Slough Amandeep Managat said: “The buzz in the room was unbelievable; it was one of the most exhilarating community experiences we have ever seen.

“People weren’t just watching, they were joining in, meeting new groups, signing up to clubs, and discovering talents they didn’t know existed.”

Exhibitors also praised the event.

Dr Shurra Hussain, who displayed her paper quilling jewellery alongside her son’s diamond art, said: “The public response was very encouraging. A big thank you to Viva Slough for organising this wonderful Hobby Festival and giving artists a platform to share their work. We need more such platforms in society to encourage creativity, support learning, and bring communities together”

Volunteers from the railway modelling stand said three generations stopped by their exhibit.

One dancer described the atmosphere as ‘electric’, adding: “The crowd was so warm and supportive. It didn’t feel like a show, it felt like a celebration.”

The festival forms part of the Re-Imagine Slough movement, which aims to transform the town through arts, culture and community-led activity. It is supported by Viva Slough’s Rhizome Creative Network, funded by Arts Council England.