A team of residents in Peasedown St John are encouraging visitors to the village’s midsummer festival in June to spend time exploring the area – as part of a drive to support local tourism.
The organisers of Midsummer Party in the Park, which attracts up to 3,000 people a year, want visitors to not only attend their event – but see what the rest of the Somer Valley has to offer over the weekend surrounding the longest day of the year.
Event Bookings Manager and community activist Karen Walker said: “The Somer Valley is an up and coming area for both tourism and employment. Over the last four years our Party in the Park festivals have attracted visitors from across the region.
If people are travelling to take part in our big day in June, we want them to stay for the whole weekend and explore our local services, tourist attractions, restaurants and heritage destinations.”
Karen, who founded the ‘Staying for the Weekend?’ initiative last year, is a member of the Somer Valley Partnership which meets to encourage town and village councils to work together.
She added: “The Somer Valley Partnership, a collection of town and parish councils, is always keen to see how we can further promote our area as a place people want to visit and spend their money.
“Party in the Park’s ‘Staying for the weekend?’ initiative is pleased to be supporting our neighbouring villages and towns.”
The Party in the Park website features a section where visitors can find details of local services, places to stay, places to eat and leisurely activities.
Webmaster and designer Craig Gill commented: “Our ‘Staying for the weekend?’ section will grow over the next few weeks as we upload more information. We’re encouraging local businesses and tourist providers to send us their details for publication.”
B&NES Councillor Nathan Hartley, who chairs the festival’s management team, added: “We’re offering this service completely free of charge. It’s our way of making sure the Somer Valley, and specifically Peasedown St John, is a place to be in June.”
Sponsored by B&NES Council, Midsummer Party in the Park 2013 will be held on Beacon Field on Saturday 22nd June from 12 noon – 7 pm.
Plans include seven hours of live music including performances from the Mangledwurzels and children from Peasedown Primary to celebrate the school’s centenary, the return of the ‘Peasedown Diamond’ cider, a Farmers’ Market, the Sara Holley Community Award, Somer Valley FM broadcasting live, and several special-guest hosts.
For more details follow the event on Twitter: @peasedownpitp, visit www.peasedownpartyinthepark.org.uk.
The event’s ‘Midsummer’ theme will see a return to the 1960’s for one day. Festival attendees are invited to dress accordingly.
