In the October of 2008, during one late afternoon at Peasedown Youth Centre, the first ever Party in the Park meeting was held.
Those present included representatives from groups 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 flip chart 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, five years on, Peasedown’s Party in the Park festival has become one of the most popular in the district, with up to 3,000 visitors and more than £6,000 being secured each year to fund the event.
Last week, at a special Volunteer Thank You Party, organisers revealed the total amount raised from 5 festivals and 3 Christmas in the Park events through sponsorship, stall holder fees and entrance gate donations.
Treasurer Joy Fraser said: “When I added it all up I was surprised at how much money has been raised over the eight 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 £48,290 has been raised. An achievement never seen before by a community group in Peasedown St John in a short space of time.
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 twenty-two people who have served as part of the Management Committee.
“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, Danny Brothers and Cat Savage.
“Over the five years, 14 others have also sailed the Party in the Park ship and made their contribution to the project. The list is a bit of a ‘who’s who’ of Peasedown St John.”
Previous committee members are Mandy Clarke, Jason Cronin, Jerry Curd, Jo Curd, Becci McCafferty, Adi Davis, Sarah Moore, Sean Moore, Guy Matthews, Lesley Clarke, Marion Button, Beryl Fedder, Bridie Marshall and not forgetting the late Sara Holley.
The biggest thanks though, says Bookings Manager Karen Walker, goes to the people of Peasedown St John:
“Without the support of the people who come along, spend their money and take part in the fun and entertainment, we wouldn’t have a Party in the Park. So, thank you Peasedown St John!”
For more details about Party in the Park, Christmas in the Park, or any of their associated initiatives visit www.peasedownpartyinthepark.org.uk. They can also be followed on Twitter: @peasedownpitp.
Organisers have now set dates for upcoming events:
- Christmas in the Park 2013; Thursday 19th December, 7 pm, Beacon Hall, Peasedown St John
- Party in the Park 2014; Saturday 14th June, 12 noon – 7 pm, Beacon Field, Peasedown St John.
More details about these will be released in the coming months.
