Reflecting on the we can move event 2025

The third we can move event saw over 200 people come together at Kingsholm Stadium for a powerful day of inspiration, connection, and action. Hosted by Active Gloucestershire, the event celebrated community, movement, and a shared commitment to a healthier, more inclusive Gloucestershire.

28th May 2025 | Tom Handley | Gloucestershire

On Wednesday 21 May 2025, over 200 people from across Gloucestershire and beyond came together at Kingsholm Stadium for the we can move event 2025 (#WCMEvent2025). Hosted by Active Gloucestershire and supported by a range of partners, the day was a vibrant celebration of collaboration, shared purpose, and community-led action.

From the opening welcome to the final conversations over coffee, the event was alive with ideas, inspiration, and energy — all focused on one goal: creating a county where everyone can move more, live well, and thrive, now and for future generations.

More Than Just a Day

We Can Move is more than an event, campaign, or project — it’s a movement. A collective of people working together to tackle inequalities, improve wellbeing, and shape a safer, more inclusive, and sustainable Gloucestershire through sport, physical activity, and movement.

This year’s event brought together professionals, volunteers, and community leaders from sectors including health, education, sport, planning, culture, and community development and more — all united by a shared commitment to positive change.

What Happened on the Day?

Attendees were invited to explore a dynamic programme including:

🎤 Inspiring talks and panel discussions from local and national voices

🤝 Workshops and breakout sessions on themes like cross-sector collaboration, sustainability, and inclusion

🎬 Cinematic experiences showcasing real stories from Gloucestershire communities

🧠 Practical tools and insights to take back to workplaces and communities

The event explored key themes including:

Creating positive movement experiences across a lifetime
Rethinking ageing and the role of physical activity
Unlocking the power of local places and people
Embedding equality, diversity, and inclusion
Building healthier systems through sport and movement
Connecting sustainability with physical activity
Prioritising safe, supportive environments for all

Walking the Talk: A Sustainable Event

In line with our values and commitment to sustainability, this year’s event took deliberate steps to reduce its environmental impact and promote eco-conscious choices:

🌱 A meat-free, locally sourced meal was served for lunch, reflecting our commitment to sustainable food choices.

♻️ Delegates were encouraged to bring reusable water bottles and coffee cups to help minimise waste.

🧾 We significantly reduced printed materials, using digital surveys instead. Attendees were invited to pin a single copy of any materials to the info board — with QR codes or photos as the takeaway.

🎁 Delegate packs and giveaways were carefully considered to include only sustainable, useful items — no unnecessary extras!

🚶‍♀️ And we encouraged all attendees to choose active travel options, such as walking, cycling, or using public transport wherever possible.

These actions reflect a wider goal: aligning the way we move with the way we live and care for our planet.

A Collective Thank You

😊 We want to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended. Your enthusiasm, openness, and shared commitment to creating change brought the day and event to life.

🙏 To our amazing facilitators, speakers, and contributors — thank you for sharing your time, knowledge, and passion. Your voices and insights shaped the event and inspired action.

🏟️ And thank you to Kingsholm for hosting us in such a fantastic venue for the day (The food was amazing too).

📷 Finally, thanks to Emma Dunleavy-Harris, the official event photographer, who generously gave up her time and talent to capture the event so beautifully. These photographs reflect the spirit of the day — the people, the moments, and the movement in action.

Were You There?

📸 Check out our event photo gallery and see if you can spot yourself or someone you know here!

📹 Or relive the highlights in our event reel — now live on our social media

We hope the event left you feeling energised, connected, and empowered — because this isn’t the end. It’s just the next step.

Join the Movement

If you were inspired by the day, there are lots of ways to stay involved with we can move: