MELKSHAM is gearing up for a ‘super summer’ of entertainment and family fun, with a series of exciting events and fantastic festivals lined up.
With Melksham Carnival, the Party in the Park, Melksham Music Festival, Melksham Comic Con, and the Melksham Food and Drink Festival all in the town’s calendar, there really is something for everyone to enjoy right here in the town.
Melksham Mayor, Chris Petty, said, “Melksham is going to have a fantastic summer, and with all these events there will be something for all ages and interests.
“Come and support these great events, and make the most of what is on offer in your town. A huge thank you goes to everyone who puts in all the hard work and organisation to make these events happen. Please turn out and support them and let’s make it a summer to remember!”
This year, Party in the Park and Melksham Carnival will be back together on the same day, Saturday 13th July. Now in its 14th year, the Party in the Park will bring spectacular displays of Freefall Parachuting with the REME Parachute Team, alongside an impressive music programme, stalls, displays, refreshments, and – new for this year – a tug of war competition.
The annual Carnival will once again bring colour to the streets of Melksham, with people of all ages bringing their creative floats and costumes out in the parade. This year’s Carnival royalty have already been chosen and will take centre stage at the event, as well as being involved with various activities throughout the year.
Building up the excitement in the lead up to Party in the Park and Melksham Carnival is Melksham Music Festival, which kicks off on Friday 28th June and runs until the 13th. Top acts including legendary comedian and singer/songwriter Richard Digance, prior to his performance at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival; Sgt Pepper’s Only Dart Board Band, and singers Reg Meuross and Jess Vincent, with many more appearing over the course of the festival.
On Saturday 31st August Melksham Comic Con will return to the Assembly Hall. A convention ‘for the fans, by the fans’ brings a day of comic books, games, sci-fi, and pop culture to the town. After the huge success of the inaugural event in 2012, organisers promise a host of great guests and exhibitors – find out more at http:// melkshamcomiccon.co.uk
Celebrating the best in local produce, the fifth Melksham Food and Drink Festival starts on Friday 6th September. The festival kicks off with Tennerfest, a Melksham-wide event in which participating local food establishments offer a special menu for the price of £10.
The Littlebrook Centre will hold a mini street festival on Friday 6th; and on Saturday 7th Well House Manor will again be hosting their popular Pimm’s and Croquet on the lawn. Melksham Gardeners’ Society are having a Flower and Produce Show on Sunday 8th in the Assembly Hall.
The rest of the week includes a wine matching evening on Monday; learn how to make cupcakes on Tuesday; a food and drink themed quiz night on Wednesday, the Safari Supper on Thursday, a Harvest Supper at Cleeve House, Seend; and Big Breakfast at the Art House Cafe on Sunday.
The festival culminates on Sunday 15th September with the Food Festival Fair taking place in the grounds of Melksham House. For more information on events go to www.melkshamfoodfestival.co.uk or find them on facebook.
Keep an eye on Melksham News for a full run down of what’s coming up locally.
