On Thursday 4th June Voluntary Norfolk held the third annual Volunteer Extravaganza during Volunteers’ Week. Nearly 70 charities, social enterprises and community groups joined us at the Forum in Norwich for what is now the flagship event in the Norfolk Festival of Volunteering – showcasing the huge variety of activities undertaken by volunteers in our communities and inviting members of the public to get involved. 

The day was a vibrant celebration of volunteering in Norfolk and there was a real buzz in the air, as around 2000 attendees chatted to stallholders, engaged in activities and got a taste of the benefits of volunteering. Stallholders were encouraged to offer engaging activities and demonstrate the work they do, and they did not disappoint! From larger regional charities like YMCA and Break, to volunteer-led groups such as Hungate Medieval Art and Earlham Community Shop, organisations thought outside-the-box with activities ranging from brass-rubbing, pedal-powered smoothie making, tomahawks and a “human fruit machine” – to name just a few!

Some feedback from the day:

“It was great to pop along to the Volunteer Extravaganza at the Forum yesterday and see all the wonderful things that are happening locally. It amazed me how much good is going on in the world that we never hear about!” – Visitor

“As well as meeting potential volunteers, it was an excellent networking opportunity where we made valuable connections with other organisations and individuals who may be able to support us in a range of different ways” – Stallholder

“I feel confident we’ll get new volunteers from attending today” – Stallholder

“Great mix of public and charities to engage with” – Stallholder

What people had to say about volunteering:

“Everybody is a vital cog, it’s about shared ownership and shared experience” – Vickie, volunteer at East Anglian Air Ambulance

“I’ve been volunteering with this organisation for 20 years, I’ve become adept at presenting and learning about film music but what makes me come every Friday morning rain or shine is that I let go of a load of stress every week.  I turn up in a good mood, and leave in a better mood.  EVERY WEEK!” – Eamonn, Volunteer at Future Radio

Thank you to all organisations that attended. Thank you for all the hard work put into the stalls and meeting possible new volunteers all day. Although we had some showers the weather was not as awful as was predicted and there seemed a real buzz about the day.

Thanks to Aviva for their kind sponsorship and support of the Extravaganza as the main sponsor. Thanks also to Castle Quarter and Osiris IT for being community sponsors. Thanks to the Goat Shed for kindly providing the hamper for the winning stall, Fen Zen to share with their volunteers.