Community Festival
More Than a Run
The Community Festival formed part of Community RunFest Rayleigh, bringing together runners, families, local businesses, charities and community organisations alongside the running events.
Held at King George V Playing Fields, the free festival included live entertainment, children’s activities, wellbeing sessions, food and drink, and stalls from local businesses and organisations.
Visitors could watch the running events, enjoy the stage programme and find out more about services, activities and businesses based in the local area.
Festival Highlights
The Community Festival included:
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Live music and performances
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Fitness, Pilates and wellbeing sessions
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Children’s activities and entertainment
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Food and drink vendors
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Local businesses and community organisations
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The start and finish of the running events
Community Stage
The Community Festival stage hosted a varied programme throughout the morning, including warm-ups, fitness and wellbeing sessions, live music and performances from local groups.
STAGE
ON
Sponsored by
FINN
SEXTON
Finn Sexton is a talented young singer-songwriter who headlined the Community Festival at the inaugural Community RunFest Rayleigh.
Alongside performing as the frontman of indie punk band Monumental, Finn has built a reputation for his powerful acoustic performances, blending well-loved favourites with his own original music. His talent has already taken him to audiences across the UK and mainland Europe.
With thoughtful songwriting and a voice that combines power with emotion, Finn's music explores themes of love, resilience and personal growth. His memorable headline performance provided a fitting finale to a morning of live entertainment and community activities.
MANDY
TARBARD
Mandy Tarbard is a passionate fitness professional, personal trainer and co-founder of Frenzy, helping people of all ages and abilities enjoy the benefits of movement, fitness and wellbeing.
With more than 10 years' experience in the health and fitness industry, Mandy works with individuals, groups and families, supporting people to improve both their physical and mental wellbeing through exercise, movement and nutrition.
At Community RunFest Rayleigh, Mandy led the Children's Run warm-up, the 5K and 10K warm-ups, and the post-race stretch and cool-down, helping participants start and finish the day feeling energised and supported.
ALEXANDRA
BEARD
Alexandra Beard is a Pilates instructor dedicated to helping people feel stronger, more confident and connected through movement.
Teaching mat and reformer Pilates classes across Rayleigh and Leigh-on-Sea, Alex has built a reputation for creating welcoming and inclusive environments where people can improve their wellbeing while becoming part of a supportive community.
During Community RunFest Rayleigh, Alex delivered a Pilates session on the Community Festival stage, introducing visitors to the benefits of Pilates in a relaxed and accessible setting.
HARMONISE
CHOIR
Harmonise Choir is a vibrant Essex-based choir, bringing people together through a shared love of music and performance.
Since forming in 2023, the choir has built a strong reputation for uplifting performances featuring popular songs in harmony across a variety of musical styles, including pop, soul, gospel, country and musical theatre. Their performance at Community RunFest Rayleigh entertained festival visitors and added to the lively atmosphere throughout the morning.
MUSHROOM
THEATRE
COMPANY
Mushroom Theatre Company is a leading performing arts school based in Rayleigh, offering classes in dance, drama, singing and musical theatre for children and young people.
Focused on building confidence, creativity and self-belief, the company provides a safe and inclusive environment where students can develop their talents while having fun and making new friendships. Their performance at Community RunFest Rayleigh celebrated the talent of local young performers, entertaining festival visitors with an energetic showcase of dance, drama and musical theatre.
Meet Some of Our Festival Vendors
The Community Festival brought together a fantastic range of local businesses, community organisations and experiences for visitors to enjoy.
From food and refreshments to wellbeing, family activities and local services, our vendors played an important role in creating a welcoming festival environment that made Community RunFest about much more than running.
We're grateful to the businesses and organisations that supported the inaugural event and helped make the Community Festival such a success. Their involvement showcased the wealth of local talent, services and community spirit across Rayleigh and the surrounding area.
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