Another packed Party in the Park programme revealed
22 May 2019
Woking’s biggest celebration returns on Saturday 6 July with another packed programme of free family entertainment in Woking Park.
Entering its eighth year, Party in the Park, attracts upwards of 10,000 visitors throughout the day who come to enjoy Wimbledon Championship action on the ATG big screen, music to swing along to, thirst-quenching craft beers, a sizzling hot food village and a thoughtfully curated collection of street theatre and dance.
Festival organiser, Riëtte Thomas, Celebrate Woking Manager at Woking Borough Council, said: “This year Party in the Park is going back to its roots. On the 6 July, visitors can expect a celebration of all the things we love in Woking and are proud of, plus an eclectic mix of things to see and do, set across four distinct areas.
“Each year we add new content to the programme to keep the format fresh, to appeal to new audiences but also to ensure there’s something for everyone at Party in the Park so that we continue to bring communities together.
“To appeal to younger visitors, there are some lively displays of urban sports, plus the opportunity to have a go. We’ve added more live music to the programme as requested, and there’s a particular focus on the environment this year with free water refills and paper-only straws. We’re also very excited to be working with one activity provider whose workshops we already know, will be the highlight of Party in the Park 2019.”
In a change to the usual line-up, this year the Main Stage, sponsored by Eagle Radio, will be dedicated to live performances from professional and big name acts. Headliners announced so far include Britain’s Got Talent finalists, Old Men Grooving, Glimmer Theatre’s raucous Cabareilidh, and singing sensation, Motown Gold Frontline. Local favourites, The Farleys, return to the park after their 2012 debut to fly the flag for home-grown talent.
Official dance partner, Dance Woking, has been honoured with its own stage in the Bandstand Field this year in celebration of its 25th anniversary. The low-level stage will provide a more participatory viewing experience for supporters of the borough’s community dance groups.
Cllr Colin Kemp, Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Culture at Woking Borough Council, said: “In addition to being a great day out, with a great atmosphere, that the whole family will enjoy, Party in the park provides a platform for local talent and aims to encourage participation by introducing party-goers to new activities and local groups. Many will have been preparing performances, demonstrations and displays to showcase at the event so if you’re coming to Party in the Park, please show your support, be proud but most important of all, get involved.”
As well as parading around the park at midday with carnival band, UDM Samba, top of the list of things to try this year are slacklining (tightrope walking on a suspended line of webbing), and Tokyo 2020 Olympic sport, skateboarding! You can learn to kickturn or pop an ollie on a mobile mini-ramp with help from the pros at Mount Hawke - helmet and knee-pads provided!
Alternatively, you can prove you’re in the mood to party by making some noise with the Sundrum Drumming Circle, twisting and shouting at the funfair, or going potty over tile painting with Fiery Frog.
For added feel good factor, this year’s event concludes with a free outdoor screening of everyone’s favourite, The Greatest Showman.
With everything from balloon modelling to classical quartets, it’s easy to understand why Party in the Park was voted by Essential Surrey as one of the “best, unmissable events” of 2019.