Information on Loughborough

Picnic In The Park 2007

Posted on 12/05/2007
Loughborough Newsdesk

procession through town centreThousands of people spent a very enjoyable Saturday afternoon at Loughboroughs annual Picnic in the Park event held in Queens Park, home of Loughboroughs famous Carillon.

The event started with a procession from the park gates adjacent John Storer House, went towards the town centre and made a hard left next to the Sockman. Fortunately for both spectators and procession members  the weather held and although a slight drizzle did threaten  for a moment. However this didnt dampen anyones spirit and the drummers drummed if anything with more gusto. The people on stilts didnt seem to mind either that the pavement was made slightly slippy and continued their springing into the air and generally bouncing along. The procession continued down Market Street and eventually wound its way back to the park to the Granby Street entrance where it headed to a stage area where the event was formally opened, and then started Ska Amanga.

party in the park dancersThere were numerous stalls set up throughout the park selling various things, providing foods (the stall with the Indian delicacies was my favourite), providing information on local groups and also activities for children and adults alike. Given the choice I would have liked to have tried stilt walking but it wasnt on offer, which on hindsight was probably a good thing.

Whilst in the park I took the opportunity to go into the Carillon and viewed the museum and went to the top for the spectacular views over Loughborough and Charnwood. The views from the tower are a must and I surprised myself over how much I could see from the windswept walkway, it is even possible to see the East Midlands Airport control tower. Ive placed some amazing pictures in my photo album http://www.inloughborough.com/photopost/showgallery.php/cat/535  if you are interested or need convincing to visit such a focal point of Loughborough.

girls asian danceOne of the best performances on stage was that of Girls Asian Dance, the lead girl who did the main performance was beyond excellent, and whilst I am no expert in the area, her art and her skill would make her one of the best in the area. For the final performance she was joined on stage by younger dancers whose joy in performing was obvious by the beaming smiles. Other acts that appeared included Ernest Jones doing African Drumming. At first I didnt know that it was Ernest, but heard the drums from the other side of the park, and the Ernests skill with the drums did their job and drew me to the crowd.

The organiser Lizzy Janny must have been stressed during the week because of the weather and the forecast for the weekend, however fortunately, it held (almost). Major credit must go to Lizzy for the organization for such an event that was so enjoyable, as would have been witnessed by the smiles on everyones faces. Roll on Loughborough Picnic in the Park 2008.

Have a look at my photo album if you dont believe me!

Rhys