Saturday 11th July saw Rushden’s annual Party in the Park. This was the 25th anniversary of the event. It was celebrated by the Rushden Yarn Bombing team who created some amazing pieces of work displayed around the Park. (See photographs.)
It was Hall Park’s biggest ever Party-in-the-Park and was officially opened by the Town Mayor, Cllr. Janet Pinnock.
The Park was filled with dozens of charity and trade stalls along with fairground rides. It was hot and sunny, so, where possible, the stalls were positioned to take advantage of the shade of the trees that line the main avenue through the Park.
The fairground rides appealed to all ages. These included some “scary” rides for teenagers (e.g. the “Crazy Fun House”), but there were also many rides for younger children. There were constant squeals of delight from the small ones (and a few from the teenagers).
“Mr. Twister” was onsite. He twisted balloons and gave “puppies”, “lollies”, “flags” and other weird shapes to the small kids.
During the afternoon, a team of trick motorcyclists gave a spectacular display in the main arena. The display team roared up a ramp and soared metres into the sky, before landing again. They flew over each other and even their own team van. It was very much a case of “Don’t Try This At Home”.
Beat Route Radio had a stall next to the Town Council stand and made a live outside broadcast. A “climbing wall” was located close to their stand, and one of the Beat Route Radio crew bravely climbed it with his radio mike.
Throughout the event, the thousands of revellers were able to enjoy ices, drinks, burgers, Mexican street food, chips, and a mass of other snacks.
Whilst all the activities were taking place in the main Park, the stage in the Walled Garden had a succession of local groups dancing and singing to entertain the visitors. This was followed by a rock concert in the Walled Garden in the early evening.
Throughout the day, teams of councillors and other volunteers patrolled, marshalled and litter-picked.
Thanks go to all those who helped organise this amazing event. Especially to those who took part and to the Rushden Yarn Bombing team for their fantastic pieces of work to mark the 25th anniversary of Party in the Park.
