Excitement is building as two of the biggest highlights on Melksham’s calendar are just days away. Both the annual Melksham Carnival and Party in the Park – a week apart this year, rather than on the same day – are expected to draw huge crowds to the town.
Party in the Party returns this Saturday, 16th July, at the King George V Playing Field from 1pm-11pm and once again, there is something for everyone with live music, dance acts and a few daredevil performances.
There will be live music throughout the day and evening, including special guest Dodgy who had a number 4 UK hit with Good Enough; a T-Rex tribute band; daredevil performances from Vander Wheel of Death and The Joseph Peace Fire Stunt Spectacular; all finishing with a fireworks display.
The following Saturday is Carnival Day with a special family fun day in the park in the afternoon as well.
Party in the Park – Saturday 16th July
Party in the Park organiser Bruce Burry said, “We have more bands and acts this year than ever before, and will be running straight through from 1pm to 11pm without any breaks as in previous years.
“We have a packed arena line-up from dancers to dare devils and on stage we have music for all, from local singers and bands and from our special guests, Dodgy, who are releasing a new single on Friday, which has already had lots of airplay on nationwide TV and radio. I am also really looking forward to our headlining act T.Rextasy, as I am a big Marc Bolan & T. Rex fan. T.Rex music has featured in TV and film throughout the years so will be known to most. As always, I am looking forward to a great day in the park for all the family.”
There will also be performances from local musicians including Pocket Men, Cleyhill Stompers, Sarah Deer, Sackful of Sovereigns, Josie & the Outlaw and The Sitting Tenants, as well as popular rock covers band, The Triple JD Band.
Party in the Park’s special guest Dodgy take the stage at 7.45pm playing their old hits plus new material. The power pop rock group rose to fame during the Britpop era of the 1990s and are best known for their hits ‘Staying Out for the Summer’, ‘If You’re Thinking of Me’ and ‘Good Enough’ which reached number four in the UK singles chart.
Headlining Party in the Park this year is the world’s only official tribute to Marc Bolan and T.Rex, T.Rextasy. With their uncanny doppelganger lead singer and guitarist, T.Rextasy perform a powerful and mesmerising presentation of Marc Bolan’s rock and pop anthems.
The evening will end with a bang with a fireworks display at 10.10pm and then T.Rextasy returns to the stage to continue to party until 11pm.
During the day there will be daredevil performances from Vander Wheel of Death and The Joseph Peace Fire Stunt Spectacular, plus a Zumba demonstration, Melksham’s Enigma Twirlers and the Chippenham Morris Men as well as the usual stalls and food outlets.
Melksham Carnival – Saturday 23rd July
• There’s no time to rest because on the following Saturday, 23rd July, it’s carnival time and it’s bigger and better than ever with a family fun day also taking place at King George V Park.
Brand new for 2016, Melksham Carnival is holding a FREE afternoon of family fun before the carnival procession. There will be an array of stalls, crafts stands, fairground rides and a tug-of-war competition. Why not bring your friends and family and set up a picnic; everyone is welcome.
Then make your way down to Cooper-Avon car park for the procession from 6pm.
Melksham Carnival chairman Simon Hedley said, “It’s looking to be a really good carnival and with the new family fun day, it’s going to be an extra special event for Melksham. We don’t see the floats until the day so it’ll be exciting to see what people have done. Last year there was a huge amount of people lining the street to watch, so we’re hoping for a turnout like that again!”
Carnival secretary Beth Dark said, “I’m looking forward to the carnival – I always do. It’s the highlight of the Melksham calendar as far as I’m concerned! It’s been a little bit more stressful this year as we have the family fun day to organise, but it’s so worth it. It’s great that there will be a whole day just for carnival and hopefully that will continue forever!”
See our feature for more information on both events.
