Planting seeds of hope in Homestead park
At Wild Rumpus, we believe that behaviour change is possible, in the power of shared experiences, and the transformative joy of play. We’re absolutely thrilled to announce our partnership with The Joseph Rowntree Foundation to bring these values to a truly special event: Homestead Festival: Here is Hope, coming to Homestead Park 5-6th July 2025!
Imagine a weekend where nature, creativity, and community intertwine, where music dances on the breeze, and where conversations spark new possibilities. We’ll spend a fleeting weekend in the bright future, imagining what the park could become, then the hard work begins as the roots and stems of long term projects spread their tendrils out from Homestead into York and beyond.
‘In every corner of this beautiful green space is possibility, and the Emerging Futures team at Joseph Rowntree Foundation are overflowing with ideas, sketches and dreams of community gardens, repair cafes, mycelium meetups, and wild free play. We are honoured and thrilled to be working with The Joseph Rowntree Foundation to welcome the people of York, from the doorstep of the park, to a weekend of hope, dreaming of what this park and its community could become, planting seeds through talks, workshops, music, performance and wonder.’
– Rowan Cannon, Director Wild Rumpus
Why the Joseph Rowntree Foundation?
Like us, the Joseph Rowntree Foundation believes in the power of positive transformation. Their mission to accelerate the transition to a future free from poverty where people and planet thrive, resonates deeply with our own values. We’re honoured to be working alongside their emerging futures team to bring this vision to life.
Homestead Park: A Space for Everyone
The event will take place in Homestead Park; to the people of York by Benjamin Seebohm Rowntree in 1904, this commitment to radical inclusivity provides the perfect setting for this creative invitation to gather and engage in workshops and provocations which embolden people to affect change during this moment of history where the time for action is now!
For 120 years, Homestead Park has been a beloved gathering place for the people of York. Inspired by the park’s early tradition of hosting family carnival weekends, we’re thrilled to present Homestead Festival: Here is Hope- which will offer communities the chance to reconnect with nature, with each other, and with the shared dream of a brighter, more regenerative future. This festival isn’t just a celebration of the past; it’s the beginning of a new chapter for the park—one that will inspire future generations. We’re incredibly excited to be partnering with Wild Rumpus, who are the perfect collaborators to help bring this vision to life. – Victoria Hughes – Joseph Rowntree Foundation (Programme Lead, Emerging Futures)
The creative offering
Here is Hope will invite audiences to experience a rich programme across the weekend. From music, performance, and workshops, to playful interventions, provocations and games which invite multi generation participation – bringing the event to life.
A Tapestry of Creativity: Picture a vibrant music stage, filled with joyful melodies and inspiring speakers, a workshop tent buzzing with ideas and hands-on activities, and a uniquely designed collaborative workshop space where imaginations take flight.
Playful Performances: Prepare to be surprised and delighted by street theatre performances that weave through the park, inviting you to embrace your inner child.
Co-Created Experiences: The ‘Here is Hope’ area will be a vibrant hub, co-curated with local communities, showcasing real-world examples of citizen-powered change. We’ll explore regenerative futures and restorative ways of living, all energised by a surrounding music and art programme.
Creative play: Through creative play and interactive experiences we unleash a playful spirit – wonderful things happen when people of all ages play.
Conversations that Matter: Here is Hope is about more than just entertainment. It’s about sparking conversations, asking questions, and igniting a collective sense of possibility, leaving a lasting impact on local organisations, attendees, and the ongoing work of The Joseph Rowntree Foundation. Audiences can expect talks from speakers who will share their experience of setting up and running innovative, world renowned projects, providing inspiration and words of change to motivate and inspire.
Join us!
We invite you to join us 5-6th July 2025 for a weekend of wonder, inspiration, and hope, bringing people together to celebrate change-makers, connect with nature, and imagine a future where everyone can flourish. This is a free event, all are welcome.
We can’t wait to share this creative experience with you!
