Peasedown’s Party in the Park Festival ‘Under New Management’

Peasedown’s Party in the Park festival, which next year celebrates its 14th anniversary, is under new management!

Since 2009, the festival has been run by a committed team of volunteers who have created one of the most popular events in the region.

This summer though, after organising a successful festival in honour of the Platinum Jubilee of the late HM Queen Elizabeth II, the management committee was disbanded with the organisation of future festivals being handed over to the Peasedown Community Trust.

Nathan Hartley, a former Peasedown Councillor, served as Chairman of the Festival Team and stepped down this summer after 14 years in the role.

He said: “When a group of us got together in 2008 to create an event that would bring the community together, we never imagined that it would grow so quickly. It’s been an honour – and lots of fun – to lead the Party in the Park team for the last 14 years.

“The recent pandemic though gave us an opportunity to re-think how the event was run and explore the benefits of becoming part of a successful local charity such as the Peasedown Community Trust.”

In June, festival organisers voted unanimously to disband their committee and hand over the organisation of the event to the Peasedown Community Trust.

Chairman of the Trust, Gavin Heathcote, added: “As a charity, with access to additional funding and resources, we’ll be able to ensure the event continues long into the future. With Peasedown Party in the Park now being run by our charity, we can add it to the list of other projects we run in the village – such as the Peasedown Community Library, Dementia Friendly Peasedown and the Peasedown Community Orchard.

“Also, for the first time ever, we will be delivering a leaflet to every home this winter giving residents information about how the event is funded and how the finances we raise for the festival are spent.”

The date for next year’s festival will be announced in the next few weeks by the organisers. It’s expected to be another action-packed event with live music, entertainment, a range of stalls and attractions, a grant giveaway and the announcement of the winner of next year’s Community Civic Award.

Veteran Councillor Karen Walker, who was one of the creators of the festival in 2009, will continue to take a leading role in the organisation of future festivals as part of the Peasedown Community Trust, she said:

“We’re looking forward to taking Party in the Park forward for another 14 years, ensuring it remains a popular event that brings the community together. The future of Party in the Park is looking bright and positive!”

For more details about Peasedown Party in the Park visit www.peasedownpartyinthepark.org.uk, check out their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/peasedownpartyinthepark or follow event on Twitter: @peasedown_party.