Welcome back!

After last year’s “post-pandemic” version, it’s so nice to be back to a year with no doubt that CoCoMAD is happening. From tiny acorns the mighty oak of CoCoMAD has grown. From an enthusiastic school fete in 1997, to the festival of music, art, dance, science, circus, food and celebration we all love.

There is no other festival quite like it, you don’t need a ticket. But CoCoMAD isn’t free, it’s paid for by donations from you, your neighbours and the businesses that you use. Thank you to the sponsors, from page 12 onwards.

There are volunteers at the festival with donation buckets - so remember to bring some cash. If everyone donates at least £3, the festival is almost paid for.

CoCoMAD is run by Friends of Cotteridge Park (FoCP), a group of dedicated volunteers and registered charity in England and Wales (charity number: 1181644). If you want to know more about FoCP, or join the team, get in touch.

Best wishes for a happy CoCoMAD from all the volunteers.

Thank you to everyone who helps make CoCoMAD happen. Not just the volunteers you see on the day. Marquee erectors, litter pickers, gate monitors, stewards and lost children finders - but the months of work done by the fundraisers, planners, stall and music programmers. Thanks to the artists and performers, stallholders and food and drink providers who make the day such a pleasure. Thanks to Birmingham City Council Parks for all the help and support throughout the year. And thanks to the community of Cotteridge. Without your support, this festival wouldn’t be possible.

Editorial: Emma Woolf and Kelly Baber, Design: Kerry Leslie, Illustrations: Edie Woolf, Photos: TheBrumReaper.

Celebrating Tony James’ (1935-1922)

Decades of volunteering in Cotteridge Park

After a long life, well-lived, one of our most dedicated volunteers died last year. Tony, was a daily litter picker for over 20 years and helped keep the park looking spotless. And in later years we discovered Tony’s cartooning skills - when he produced a series of witty and knowing jokes about the park and its users (page 8).

He was also the man who unblocked the drains - with a determination that meant that no mud withstood his efforts for long.

Tony and his wife Marian (left), as well as a succession of dogs, were inexhaustible volunteers at CoCoMAD and we will miss his efforts this year and into the future.

1 July 2023 from 12noon www.cotteridgepark.org.uk

Join are there to make getting around the main field easier and so we have safe evacuation routes. You will be asked to move. Don’t put tents or gazebos in the main field. You can set up camp in the family gazebo area.

No BBQs or camping stoves are permitted on site.

We have wristbands for all children. Please come and pick one up from The Shed, or from the FOCP stall. Write your phone number on your child’s wristband. Lost children (and people) will be looked after at The Shed.

First Aid is by the main entrance.

Dial 999 if life is in danger or crime is in progress.

Do not drive to CoCoMAD. There is no parking available. Parking enforcement officers will be on site.

As it’s a local festival, we encourage you to walk or cycle. You can lock up your bikes at your own risk in the tennis courts. There is disabled parking on a first come first serve basis. There will be chairs for waiting at the entrance for drop offs.

Please respect that CoCoMAD is a local festival put on by local volunteers - and have fun!