Connect
VI community Gathering
Sat 21st Feb 2026
Pittville Park, Cheltenham
A day of creative connection for the VI community. Walk together, chat, get creative and enjoy good food!
For adults, children and families who are blind, partially sighted or living with sight loss.
Hosted by VI artists, Holly Thomas & Sarah Goddard.
As with all our events, travel access support and sighted guides are available. Let us know what you need when booking.
how it all came about
For some time, we’ve been delivering separate events for children & families and adults.
Our VI family programme has been running since 2022 with 3-4 events per year.
More recently we hosted an event for women who are blind, partially sighted or living with sight loss.
This event creates a place for everyone to come together! To make connections, share experiences & enjoy each other’s company.
Co-designed with VI artists and younger members of our current family programme.
what can you expect?
This day events brings together both adults and children who have been attending creative events with us and welcomes new people to join too.
- We will be spending the day at Pittville Park in Cheltenham.
- We’ll meet and have time to introduce ourselves before going on a guided walk.
We’ll have a shared lunch (provided by us) and then have the option to take part in different creative activities.
There will be time for lots of chats over coffee, juice and of course…cake!
- Whole families are encouraged to attend to make it a day out together. Adults are welcome to bring a friend/companion too.
- We have the cosy Scout Hut so it can all go ahead even if it’s raining!
Check out our Instagram for what we’ve got up to at previous events.
Venue & practical details
Date: Saturday 21st February 2026
Timings: 12-3pm
Venue: The meeting point is Scout Hut, Pittville Park, Cheltenham
Costs: Choose the amount you pay to join. Companions join for free.
Getting there:
- There is ample on street parking, available for up to 4 hours.
- The train station & bus stops in town are both a 15-minute journey.
- We can support with public transport pick ups.
- Depending on where you’re travelling from, we may be able to organise shared lifts.
What to bring/wear: We will be doing a walk so wear layers in case of cold weather. We have to take our shoes off in the Scout Hut so bring a pair of cosy socks (or slippers!)
Bursaries: If a contribution to travel costs would help you attend, let us know – we have a budget for this.
Access:
- Members of our team will be sighted guides during the day.
- Adults, you are welcome to bring a friend or companion with you.
- The ticket system asks about access needs.
- We can support with travel costs and pick ups.
- We are here to talk to directly, if you are unsure about anything before booking.
Dietary info: Lunch is provided as part of the day, we’ll ask for your dietary needs when booking.
General public: Pittville is a public park. We have our own space in the Scout Hut.
First time with Hook & Loop? You don’t need to have attended any prior workshops or events with us before, we love welcoming new people to join us!
how to get involved
Tickets will be ready to book in January. For now, register your interest by email.
If you like, we can have a chat about what you can expect from the event so you can make sure it is right for you.
We look forward to meeting you!
more information
For more information, you can:
- Read a blog written by young volunteer Emily, about one of our family event days.
- Check out our wider work and events
this project is supported by
