Jam-packed line-up for spectacular Party in the Park 20th anniversary

PARTY in the Park returns with a bang this weekend, packed full of fun for all the family and top quality live music to celebrate the festival’s 20th anniversary.

The festivities – including stalls, rides, a fire show, and music from the ‘greatest tribute’ to Take That – all take place in King George V playing field this Saturday, 20th July, from 1pm. And to get the party started and warm the community up, ParkFest returns for its second year, the night before, on Friday 19th July from 6.30pm, with an evening of ska and two-tone music, featuring headliners, The Neville Staple Band.

Festival committee member, Bruce Burry, who has been with the team for 11 years, told Melksham News, “We have tried to create something very special this year and we hope that everyone comes out in force to support the event. We want a party atmosphere like never before, so grab your dancing shoes and join in the fun to help celebrate 20 spectacular years!

“It takes 12 months to plan Party in the Park but on the day it’s all worthwhile. It’s great to be there and see everything going smoothly, and the Melksham community turning up in their thousands.”

The event was started in 2000 as part  of the town’s new millenium celebrations, and was the brainchild of Melksham News editor, Ian Drew, who organised the event for the first few years. Since then, Party in the Park has returned year after year, growing bigger each time.

Bruce said, “It was so successful that it was decided to continue with it – the town wanted more! It’s grown year on year, from bands performing on the grass, to the back of two lorries, to what it is now – a large professional stage.

“As this year is our 20th anniversary we are hoping to draw the biggest crowd the park has ever seen!”

ParkFest – 

Friday 19th July

Returning for its second year ParkFest will take place in the King George V playing field from 6.30pm to 11pm. ParkFest will be celebrating 40 years of ska and two-tone music with two live bands – Train to Skaville and The Neville Staple Band. There will also be support from Funboy 2 – a DJ collective and live PA. 

“The Neville Staple Band are a party band,” said Bruce, “so they are sure to get the crowd.”

The evening is aimed at people aged 16 and over – but children aged 11 and over are welcome to attend accompanied by an adult at all times.

Party in the Park – 

Saturday 20th July

Following ParkFest, Party in the Park returns the next day in the King George V playing field  from 1pm to 10.45pm. We are hoping for plenty of sunshine and a huge crowd for the 20th anniversary,” said Bruce.

With something for everyone of all ages, the event is promising a day to remember. Headlining the main stage is Take@That, a tribute act to everyone’s favourite boy-band who will be performing all the classics including ‘Back for Good’, ‘Never Forget’ and ‘Greatest Day’. 

Other music will come from local band Indecision, soul band Bluesoul, indie covers band Six O’Clock Circus, singer songwriter Kirsty Clinch and Wiltshire duo Burbank.

Headlining the arena is the Joseph Peace Fire Show. Joseph promises to have audiences enthralled, laughing and on the edge of their seats with his fire stunt spectacular. 

There will be a variety of stalls, fairground rides and performances from local groups including PSG Choir, In2Dance and the Phoenix Twirlstars. And closing the day will be a spectacular fireworks display at 10.30pm.

For more information on both events, visit: www.melkshammusicfestival.co.uk