News
Community day a hit
Hundreds of people enjoyed a free Community Activity Day at Jumbo as supporters gathered to celebrate Colchester’s favourite landmark.
Live music, crafts and entertainment drew the crowds who were also supporting the Love Jumbo community appeal.
The first Jumbo Community Activity Day was a huge hit. The event was part of The Jumbo Project’s exciting activities programme, made possible thanks to National Lottery players.
Organised by North Essex Heritage, the charity behind The Jumbo Project, the community Activity Day was also a chance to tour the unique former water tower, meet the team and learn more about the restoration plans and the host of volunteering opportunities.
Jumbo’s Programme Manager, Joseph Rawlings, said:
“We are so grateful to everyone who joined in, enjoyed a tour, sponsored a brick, made a donation, volunteered on the day or provided the top class entertainment.
“Watch this space to see how you can get involved in our activities programme. You can also volunteer with The Jumbo Project, please contact us at engagement@northessexheritage.org“
Throughout the day, visitors were able to see local street artist Eyesaw working with young people to complete a series of creative workshops in partnership with The Jumbo Project and The Minories art gallery. Colchester Morris performed as part of their Centenary Day of Dance.
Made possible with the support of The National Lottery Heritage Fund, The Jumbo Project will see the Victorian tower conserved and adapted into a commercially viable and accessible attraction and venue.
Thanks to The National Lottery Heritage Fund other funders including from Historic England, The Garfield Weston Foundation and the UK Government, alongside support from Colchester City Council, £10.5m has already been secured for The Jumbo Project.
North Essex Heritage has completed early works and investigations, and public interest in the project continues to grow. Paid-for guided tours of Jumbo have proved hugely popular, and fundraising initiatives such as brick sponsorships have helped raise more money. Businesses can be part of history by becoming Corporate Sponsors.
Supporters can show they Love Jumbo by donating, booking a tour or sponsoring some of Jumbo’s 1.2m locally made bricks. For a limited time, businesses can buy a private corporate tour tailored to their teams or guests.