A community celebration of sustainability; People in the Park is back for 2026

One of the biggest eco community events in the South, ‘People in the Park’, will celebrate the huge variety and depth of eco-friendly activities created by local people during its 2026 event

Organised by Salisbury Transition City (STC), this year’s event will feature over 60 stalls from craft, food and community services, three sound stages, providing a continuous musical backdrop, plus a myriad of entertainment activities for families. This event seeks to provide something for everyone. Entry is free from 10.30 am until 4.30 p.m on Saturday, 16th May.

A brief sampling from this year’s lineup of stalls includes Medic2Medic recycling, Jewellery and fashion stands and a wide range of community and service organisations, including wildlife groups, community energy and transport projects, groups promoting wellbeing and lifestyle activities and a major presence from our local Wiltshire and City councils.

Also, major charities such as English Heritage, The National Trust, Wiltshire Wildlife Trust and many smaller local community groups and charities will be present. There will also be a chance to make donations to Salisbury Foodbank.

As part of the day’s programme, children can enjoy a special quiz, face painting and crazy golf.

Young people who see themselves as budding DJs can sign up to have a go on the DJ Stage, run by Salisbury DJ Academy plus young performers can enjoy the open mike. 

Those visitors attracted by clothes recycling can bring along their own denim for transformation at Rosie's denim workshop, followed by Cream Teas at Julia’s Vegan kitchen (these will be extremely popular, so booking is required).

A highlight of the event and something not to be missed will be the opportunity to view trailers and a full screening from the National Emergency Briefing (NEB) event from last November. Those with any reservations about the climate challenges facing our community will find this revelatory!

The summaries, with the answers to a quiz, will be displayed around Queen Elizabeth Gardens, as well as previewing the NEB’s film, visitors will also find details about upcoming local screenings. 

The NEB prompted a creative response in the form of ‘The Coat of Hopes’ that is on a nationwide pilgrimage that began in Glasgow at CoP26 in 2021. Visitors to ‘People in the Park’ will have the opportunity to view and hear about this item before it departs from Salisbury to continue its journey.

In line with STC's sustainability practices, all entertainment stages will be powered by batteries recharged with renewable energy.

People in the Park provides a rare opportunity for those active in community and environmental concerns to network, learn, and set up potential future working partnerships.

This event would not have been possible without the support and help from their sponsors. These include: All the Kit, EventPlot, NDM Renewables, Salisbury Reds, Wiltshire Climate Alliance, Wiltshire Council and Wiltshire Wildlife Community Fund.