One of the important aspects of the work of Horsforth Churches Together is Community Events – bringing people together to celebrate and reflect at certain points in the year, or enabling / helping with gatherings and events which are of benefit to all of us in the community of Horsforth.
The main events we have held in recent years are:
- Good Friday Walk of Witness & Outdoor Service
- Hustings events
- Horsforth Gala: Free Family Activities
- Carols in the Park
Easter: Good Friday Walk of Witness and Outdoor Service
Every Easter on Good Friday many people from all of the churches gather at the top of Town Street and follow the wooden cross singing hymns and songs as we walk along Town Street, followed by an outdoor service at The Green, with reflections on the events of that day and the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Everyone is welcome!
Afterwards we take time to chat over soup and hot cross buns at the kind invitation of The Grove Methodist Church nearby.
Hustings
In the run up to general elections, churches provide a neutral space to hold Hustings events where each candidate has the chance to explain their position and answer questions; this is carefully managed to ensure it is done fairly and as many questions can be answered as possible in the time available, giving each candidate an equal chance to reply. A poll is done at the beginning and the end to see if people have been persuaded to change their minds as a result.
You can browse a brief article about the 2024 Hustings on this link:
Horsforth Gala: Family Activities
For several years we have had an area in the Park at Horsforth Gala, where we have been glad to provide free activities such as a Tots Tent, Penalty Shoot-Out, Bouncy Castle, Big Games, a Craft Tent, a Quiz Trail and space to sit and chat. Families have always been very appreciative of a relaxed space and free games for their kids in a community atmosphere.
(NOTE: The Gala did not run in 2025, and it is unclear whether it will run in 2026.)
Carols in the Park
For over 10 years we have organised this very popular event at Christmas – with a ‘live’ Nativity scene in our stable, a live band and singers leading the carols from the festively decorated bandstand, mince pies and a hot drink for everyone, glow sticks for kids, and a church leader leading a short Carol Service from the bandstand.
There has often been between 600 to 800 people attending, which shows how much the community enjoy coming together for this event.