Family fun at Party in the Park

A WEEKEND of predominantly free family-friendly activities in Newton Abbot has again attracted hundreds of people keen to soak up the value-for-money summer fun.

Party in the Park is a joint venture between Rotary, whose volunteers organise the Saturday events, and Newton Abbot Town Council which prepares the Sunday line-up.

It’s an arrangement that’s been running for several years and which began as a replacement for aspects of the town’s carnival.

The first day at Courtenay Park day drew a bumper crowd with entertainment including a dog show, rock choir, Taiko Drummers, food and drink outlets, trade and charity stalls, a youth zone and inflatable ball pool.

Also on offer was a bouncy castle, face painting art workshop and human fruit machine.

Sunday’s events included live music from three local bands, face painting, balloon modelling, crafts with Creative Newton Abbot, bubble shows, games with Newton Abbot Youth Centre and a mini big top offering circus skills training.

Numbers were down somewhat on the previous day as soaring temperatures and scorching sunshine inevitably had many families heading to the local beaches.

Natalie Hicks, Events Co-ordinator for Newton Abbot Town Council, said: ‘Thanks once again to everyone who made Party in the Park the success it was, not least our wonderful partners at Rotary Newton Abbot.

‘Their efforts on behalf of our town are incredible and they deserve huge thanks from everyone who enjoyed the weekend.

‘We’re determined to keep Party in the Park a regular fixture in the Newton Abbot calendar and will hopefully continue to work with Rotary in order to keep the programme fresh and packed with events that people will enjoy.

‘My thanks also go to the families and friends who chose to base their weekends around Party in the Park, and all the charities, crafts people and traders who took part.

‘The planning for 2027 starts now and we look forward to seeing everyone back in Courtenay Park next year.’