In 2008, during a late afternoon at Peasedown Youth Centre, the first ever Party in the Park meeting was held, with those present including those that had hosted events before, and a collection of brand new people who wanted to get ‘stuck in’.
From the early beginnings of pulling together ideas on a large sheet of flipchart paper, the Peasedown Party in the Park brand was born.
The first event, pitched as a grand family fun day, was opened in 2009 by Glastonbury Festival founder Michael Eavis and held in the new location of Beacon Field.
With a small stage for musical performances and around 1,500 people attending, this was a great start to a string of successful festivals.
Now, eight years on, Peasedown’s Party in the Park festival has become one of the most popular in the district, with almost 2,500 visitors and more than £6,500 being secured each year to fund the event.
Last week, the festival committee held their Annual General Meeting where the total amount raised from 8 festivals and 5 Christmas in the Park events through sponsorship, stall holder fees and entrance gate donations, was revealed.
Treasurer Joy Fraser said: “When I added it all up I was surprised at how much money has been raised over the thirteen events we have held.
“Much of the money has been re-invested into Party in the Park each year but some has also gone to help projects in the village and it is good to be able to do that.”
When all the figures had been added up, the team revealed that a massive £67,817.44 has been raised.
Over £8,000 has been given back to the community through grants. Groups that have benefitted include:
- Laurel Farm Kindergarten
- Peasedown St John Scouts
- Peasedown Methodist Church
- Peasedown St John Children’s Centre
- Beacon Hall Lunch Club
- Peasedown Youth Albion FC
- Bath All Starz Cheerleaders
- Peasedown Cricket Club
- Peasedown Primary School Centenary Celebrations
- Peasedown St John Residents Association
- Peasedown St John Credit Union
- Time 2 Share
As well as events, the team run a volunteer scheme which gives those that take part the chance to receive a reference for education or employment; a Grant Fund which supports Peasedown-based projects; a community award in memory of the late Sara Holley; and they have launched their own exclusive cider – Peasedown Diamond.
Festival Chairman Nathan Hartley believes none of these could have been achieved without the support of faithful volunteers who give up their time each year.
He said: “My thanks go to the current team, who all bring a wealth of knowledge, expertise and passion to the roles they perform; Joy Fraser, Karen Walker, Jo Davis, Mike Auton, Craig Gill, Jeannie Heath, Andrea Feeney and Tom Benyon.
“We couldn’t do what we do though without the 30-40 people who commit time and energy at the festival to give out programmes, collect litter and help set up and pack away at the end of the day.”
The Party in the Park volunteer scheme, Be Part of It, gives volunteers the chance to sign up and in return receive a certificate, and food vouchers to use on the day of the festival.
For more details about Party in the Park or any of their associated initiatives visit www.peasedownpartyinthepark.org.uk.
Organisers have now set dates for upcoming events:
- Christmas in the Park 2016; Saturday 17th December, 1 pm – 4pm, Beacon Hall, Peasedown St John.
- Party in the Park 2017; Saturday 10th June, 12 noon – 7 pm, Beacon Field, Peasedown St John.
