MAYOR of Melksham, councillor Terri Welch, has expressed her concerns about Melksham Carnival committee’s decision to separate the Carnival from the Party in the Park next year.
The committee recently announced that it will be breaking years of tradition and put on the Carnival a week after Party in the Park, rather than on the same day. The Carnival will have its own free family fun day in the afternoon.
Cllr Welch said, “I read with sadness the proposed plans of the Carnival committee to hold an event in the park, within a week of the Party in the Park.
“This might well work to the advantage of the Carnival committee but will adversely affect the Party in the Park. I cannot see families attending two events at such close proximity.
“Carnival day has always been a great day to be in Melksham, and since 2000 when the Party in the Park was launched, it’s been extra special with carnival-goers being able to enjoy the Party in the Park on the same day with its music, stalls, fireworks and major entertainment.
“In fact, the whole idea of the Party in the Park when it was launched was to provide extra entertainment for all the thousands of people who turned out to watch the Carnival.
“I speak from experience, having played my part in the organisation of both these two major events for over 15 years and feel strongly that they are both good events, enjoyed by many people in our town.
“Please Carnival folk, we do appreciate the work you put into organising the Carnival procession, and we are open to other events, but do not muscle in on this well-established event.
“Could I ask the committee members to rethink their decision? While applauding their wish to give Melksham people another fun event, this move will be to the detriment of both groups.
“Traditionally, the two events have been on the same day. For one year, a few years ago, the Party in the Park split from the Carnival and was held on a different day but this didn’t really work. The two events are much stronger together than apart.”
Unless there is a rethink, the Party in the Park will take place on Saturday 16th July next year, with the Carnival and fun day on the following Saturday, 23rd July.
