August at Level Best has been filled with creativity, celebration, and community spirit. From wild performances to joyful Pride celebrations, and from new community partnerships to bountiful allotment harvests, it’s been a month to remember! Here’s a look back at what we’ve been up to.
🎭 Performance Month in the Art Studio
The Art Studio turned into a stage throughout August for Performance Month. Trainees, staff, and volunteers experimented with words, sounds, and movement in playful and unexpected ways.
One standout moment was Fruit Salad, performed by staff member Megan and inspired by artist Kate Hodges’ work at Firstsite in 2013. It was just as funny, messy, and sticky in 2025 as it was back then, especially when our trainees got to join in, smashing apples from our allotment in the name of art!
🏳️🌈 Colchester Pride 2025
What a day! Trainees and staff came together at Colchester Pride to celebrate inclusivity, diversity, and love. We danced, sparkled, and soaked up the festival atmosphere. Pride is always a highlight of the summer, and we’re already counting down the days until next year.
🌱 Reclaim the Folly
Our horticultural team continued their work with the Reclaim the Folly project in Newtown. Collaborating with a local councillor, the team has been planting, tidying, and reimagining the space to make it greener and more welcoming for both people and wildlife.
Trainees summed it up perfectly:
- “We should plant more stuff.” – Tom
- “Tidying up is important.” – Simon
- “We want it to feel like a safe and welcoming folly for all.” – Amber
☕ A Cuppa Kindness with Colchester Foodbank
This month saw the launch of our partnership with Colchester Foodbank to spread a little extra warmth in the community. Customers can now buy an additional hot drink for someone in need. In return, they place a handmade flower magnet created by our talented artists onto our Cuppa Kindness Board.
When someone needs a drink, they simply take a magnet to the till to redeem their cuppa. It’s a small act of kindness that makes a big difference. (And keep an eye out those magnets will soon be available to buy as souvenirs too!)
🖼️ Visit Colchester Gift Shop
Exciting news! You can now find Level Best greetings cards and prints at the Visit Colchester Gift Shop in Hollytrees Museum. Tom C personally delivered our first stock and will be making sure the shelves stay full. A huge thank you to Sophie and the Visitor Information Centre team for this wonderful opportunity to share our artists’ work with visitors from around the world.
🧘 Yoga with Michelle
Over the past four weeks, trainees have been enjoying yoga sessions with instructor Michelle Burrows. Each week explored a new focus, from building confidence to practising self-care.
Trainees reflected on the experience:
- “Yoga makes me feel calm, happy and chilled.” – Connor
- “Yoga makes me feel calm, relaxed and happy.” – Mel
A heartfelt thank you to Michelle for her time and expertise—we can’t wait to welcome her back.
🍰 Afternoon Tea & Graze Night
Food was another big highlight this month!
- Our kitchen trainees prepared a stunning afternoon tea in the gallery space for a local group, complete with finger sandwiches, cakes, and scones. Afternoon Tea is now available to book with us in advance.
- On 29th August, we hosted a delicious Graze Night featuring cheeses, homemade chutneys, olives, nuts, sourdough, and more. Guests left full and happy, and we’re already looking forward to the next one!
🍎 Harvest Time
The allotment team has been busy picking apples this month lots of them! Some will be turned into jams, chutneys, and bakes, while others will be available in the café for our customers to enjoy. It’s one of our favourite times of year, and this season’s harvest promises plenty of delicious treats.
August has been full of laughter, creativity, and connection. Whether through art, food, or community projects, our trainees continue to shine and share their talents. We can’t wait to see what September brings!
