Party in the Park organisers are hoping that the thunderstorms and heavy showers predicted to end the recent warm spell will stay away from Centre Park over Sunday. Party in the Park, Vale’s biggest outdoor event of the year, replaced the traditional carnival, which used to be held annually in Farnborough Road. Organisers last year decided to make the event more of a musical extravaganza, showcasing local talent, in the aptly named Centre Park at the heart of the Vale.
Tamworth rock band Fully Loaded are the ‘headline group’ for the afternoon. They will be playing at 2.30pm and again at 4.30pm. The entertainment kicks off at noon with local dance group the Goldstars Cheerleaders. Last year’s Party in the Park was marred by intermittent downpours and preceded by such heavy storms on the Saturday that the organisers came close to abandoning the event early on the Sunday morning. This year’s Health Environment and Democracy Day in early June, also in Centre Park, was one of the wettest days of the year.
July 2, 2009...8:24 pm
Hoping for a dry Sunday in Centre Park
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2 Comments
July 3, 2009 at 5:06 pm
So basically the line up for Sunday will be the same as last year and the year before. When are they going to come up with something new? Not everyone is into singing and dancing. Years ago they held Martial Art displays, Scotish Pipe Bands and Motorcycle Stunt Displays. Now its just the same old stuff!
July 4, 2009 at 1:13 am
Whilst I can understand “anonymous” I think there are a few things that should be remembered about Party in the Park and how and why it differs from the old Castle Vale Carnival.
The support that was previously forthcoming from the City Council and the old Housing Action Trust isn’t available any more, and for everyone who was a fan of the pipe bands, there was someone else who wasn’t.
Party in the Park is staged by a dedicated group of volunteers; it’s not an “official” event backed by professional events teams or several thousand pounds to cover the cost of the entertainment.
As well as the costs, there are also constraints in terms of what can be fitted into Centre Park. It’s also fair to say that it hasn’t always been sweetness and light at Farnborough Road in the past either – I remember one year not so far back the Police having to attend to deal with gangs of youths intent on mayhem.
If “anonymous” has got any suggestions for things that could be considered for next year, might I respectfully suggest that he gets in touch with the Carnival Committee, care of the TRA, then I’m sure they’ll be looked into.
In the meantime, I’m hoping that we have nice weather and a good turnout, and that everyone who comes along has fun and gets home safely.