Foster Fest is a special free summer event for Hull’s care experienced children and fostering community, and we need your help to make the magic happen.
There are some days in the year that simply feel different.
For Hull’s fostering community, Foster Fest is one of those days.
Hidden away quietly during the summer holidays, with no public tickets and no big advertising campaign, Foster Fest exists for one reason only, to give children and young people with care experience a day that belongs completely to them.
It is a day created especially for children living in foster care, children who have been adopted, young people living in children’s homes, those supported through special guardianship arrangements, and the incredible people who care for them every single day.
And for many families, it means far more than just a fun day out.
Because fostering can be beautiful, but it can also be exhausting. Caring for children who have experienced trauma, loss, instability or heartbreak requires patience, resilience and enormous love. Foster carers often spend their days juggling school meetings, family time arrangements, therapy appointments, emotions, behaviours and the unseen realities that most people never witness.
The children and young people themselves carry stories many adults would struggle to process.
So when Foster Fest arrives, something special happens.
For one day, children can laugh loudly without judgement. Foster carers can breathe. Young people can simply be young people. Families who often feel isolated suddenly realise they are part of something much bigger. They meet others who understand them without explanation.
There is no pressure to explain why a child is struggling. No awkward questions. No need to hide.
Just music, laughter, colour, connection and a community wrapping itself around children who deserve to feel celebrated.
Last year, the atmosphere was unforgettable. Hundreds of children and carers came together to enjoy fairground rides, entertainment, crafts, games, sensory spaces, live performers and simple moments of happiness that many families told us stayed with their children long after the day ended.
Some young people arrived nervous and left smiling.
Some carers told us it was the first time in a long time they had truly relaxed.
Others simply said, “our children finally felt like they belonged somewhere.”
This year, we want to make it even bigger, even warmer and even more magical.
But to do that, we need help from the people of Hull.
Foster Fest is kept completely free for every family attending because we never want cost to be the reason a child misses out. Much of what makes the day special comes from local people, businesses, performers and volunteers who kindly donate their time, skills or services simply because they care about children in our city.
Right now, we are still looking for kind-hearted people who may be able to help bring more joy to the day.
Could you -
- volunteer as a face painter for a few hours?
- donate a balloon arch or decorations?
- teach a salsa lesson, host a dance session, bring sensory activities, crafts or interactive entertainment?
Do you know someone who might visit and make children smile, such as a -
- superhero
- transformer
- ghostbuster
- demon hunter
- cosplay group
Are you able to offer Indian head massages or wellbeing treatments for foster carers who rarely stop?
Maybe you have a unique skill, business or talent that could help create memories our children will never forget.
If you have ever wanted to do something positive for children in Hull, this is your opportunity.
Not every act of kindness has to be huge. Sometimes giving just an hour of your time can create a memory a child carries for years.
Behind every child attending Foster Fest is a story. Behind every foster carer is a family opening their home to children who need safety, love and belonging.
This day reminds them that Hull sees them, values them and stands beside them.
If you think you could help in any way, big or small, please contact Hull Fostering on fostering@hullcc.gov.uk for more information.
Together, we can give our children a day they truly deserve.
To watch what we all achieved last year, please watch this short video -