Let Stripey Mouse transport you way (way) back to a sunny Sunday in July (the 31st July 2011, to be precise), to a day so special it almost defies belief. Every once in a while, you have the privilege to be involved in an event so magical and full of whimsy that you spend every day afterwards wishing it had never ended and wondering whether it really happened. The Hope & Social Garden Party was such an event. For readers who don't know Hope & Social, they are band from Leeds who create triumphant, joyful music, with lyrics that whisper to your soul. Their gigs are often themselves a work of art. They let fans choose how much they pay for their music and encourage everyone they encounter to 'Have Fun, Make Art'.
On that sunny day, we walked through the gates of The Old Rectory, Mirfield and entered another world. A world where unexpected delights hid behind arched garden walls, where signposts pointing you to the hammock stage and silent disco led you past blackbirds dangling in collective beauty that brought tears to your eyes. None of the 500 people who laughed, danced and sang together will ever forget the time they shared.
Hope & Social kindly gave me a spot in the merchadise gazebo where I could sell my wares, including my hand-stamped cards inspired by their lyrics. There is something special about feeling quite so honoured to be sharing your work this way, and Hope & Social fans certainly know how to make you feel very appreciated. If only every craft event could be as memorable and rewarding...
I met the immensely talented Norma-Jean Mercer, who sprinkled her own brand of awesomeness over the Hope & Social lyrics:
The highlight of the day was watching Hope & Social do what they do best. This photo sums it up for me:
Luckily, Shot By Sodium captured every little moment of the day, this is where I go when I want to remind myself that the Hope & Social Garden Party is not a figment of my whimsical imagination...
