Walk in the Park Festival 2013

Walk in the Park 2012

Walk In the Park organisers have been putting the finishing touches to preparations for this festival, which takes place on June 29 and 30. And they have taken on board feedback from visitors, and local residents.

So this year, organisers have DOUBLED the number of toilets from 12 months ago, and – by request – will also be segregating them into a men’s and women’s area.

There will be TWO bars on site this year, to relieve the queues that build up during last year’s festival.

Although it is generally trouble free, an event of this size inevitably attracts a small minority of individuals who try to spoil the enjoyment of others, so this year security has also been doubled, and there will also be CCTV cameras on site to identify mischief makers. The event also receives good support from the local Police, who will also have a presence on Friday evening and during Saturday.

And the Saturday Family Day ends at 7pm this year, with the organisers also taking on board feedback from local people.

“We had an enormous amount of positive feedback last year, but at the same time we were also aware of one or two things that upset people: too few toilets, and long queues for the bar,” said Councillor Brandon Eldred, the chairman of the organising committee.

“Last year we under-estimated how many people would turn up, but this year we’re ready for it, and we have proved that by organising more toilets, and adding an extra bar on site.

“As for security, well last year we had just five arrests, and we earned praise from the Police for our security arrangements. But as ever, there are always one or two individuals likely to make a fool of themselves, and if they do, they will be dealt with quickly. This is a family event, for everyone to come along, enjoy, and have a great time.

“We also took on board the noise that continued around the area after the event finished at 10.30pm on Saturday event last year, and the last thing we want is unnecessary inconvenience to local people,” said Mr Eldred. “So again, we acted on their feedback, and that is why we are finishing at 7pm this year.

“As I say, the organisers simply want everyone to come along, have a great time, and enjoy the event, and this year there’s so much to look forward to, with Midge Ure headlining our Friday night line-up, and so much going on during the Saturday Family Day.”

The gates open at 6pm on Friday, June 29, with the entertainment getting underway at 6.30. The Saturday Family Day opens at 11am and runs through to 7pm.