Melksham’s summer spectacular! Town is all set for party in the park and carnival

SUMMER officially kicks off in Melksham this month with unmissable entertainment lined up at Party in the Park and then, just one week later, fun for all the family at Melksham Carnival.

Party in the Park returns on Saturday 15th July, at the King George V Playing Field from 1pm-11pm with a packed programme. The exciting line-up for the party features something for everyone, including inflatables, quad bikes, a bar from the Box Steam Brewery, bungee trampolines and, for the first time in Party in the Park history, a Big Top Circus.

There will be live music throughout the day and evening, including Hells Bells, the UK’s top  AC/DC tribute band; local Bowie tribute band, Rebel Heroes, and a whole host of local bands and singers ready to get the party started, plus the famous firework display!

The following Saturday is Carnival Day with a Family Fun Day taking place in the park in the afternoon.

Party in the Park – Saturday 15th July

Party in the Park chairman Tom Sangster said, “This year’s line-up is so exciting and we’re already looking forward to Saturday 15th July! It’s going to be a great day with entertainment to keep the whole family happy.

“We’re especially looking forward to Happy’s Circus – we wanted to try something different this year and we hope everyone enjoys the Big Top Circus.

“Of course we have the usual favourites including the popular grand fireworks display, stalls, food and live music all day from fantastic local bands and acts.

“Hells Bells, the AC/DC specialists, are our headline band. They are very experienced and have come to us having toured all over the UK and Europe and will explode with AC/DC songs for your enjoyment.

“We are also very pleased to have top local band Rebel Heroes. As the name implies they are exponents of the late David Bowie and we look forward to a classic set of Bowie songs.

“Party in the Park 2017 is set to be a fantastic day of fun for the whole family, get your tickets now!”

There will also be performances from local musicians such as Kirsty Clinch, Tom Coller-Jones, Melissa Gould, The Decibelles, The Ray Jones Band, The Lightnin’ Hobos and the BBC’s The Voice contestant Lucy Winter.

There will be no extra charge to see the circus show but be warned, there are only 2,400 tickets available for four separate 45-minute performances, so be sure to book your tickets as soon as possible.

Happy’s Circus show will feature all the usual circus acts including acrobats, trapeze, clowns and jugglers, but no animals.

The evening will end with a bang with a fireworks display at 10.10pm and then Hells Bells are back on stage to continue the party until 11pm.

Melksham Carnival – Saturday 22nd July

The summer fun continues on the following week with Carnival fever hitting Melksham on Saturday 22nd July and returning to the King George V park is the Family Fun Day.

Following the success of last year, the Family Fun Day will once again take place before the carnival procession. There will be an array of stalls, face painters, tug-of-war competitions, carnival royalty, charity stalls, ice cream trucks, plus refreshments.

Also new to this year’s event there will be a brass band and a fun dog show, as well as the bonnie baby competition. Why not bring your friends and family and set up a picnic; everyone is welcome.

Then make your way into the town for the carnival procession which starts at 6pm.

Carnival committee member Christine York said, “We are all really looking forward to carnival day, it’s one of the highlights in Melksham’s calendar! The whole town comes out to see the procession which is always fantastic, so we’re hoping for the same turn out again this year.

“Entries are still open for the carnival procession so if you would like to have a float, download a form off our website. The carnival procession is an excellent way to highlight your business, charity or organisation. Even if you are an individual, don’t be shy, you will be most welcome to come and join in the fun!

“The Family Fun Day was a great success last year and we hope everyone who came last year comes again and brings more friends and family. The Melksham Carnival programme is now available to pick up in shops in the town centre; you’ll find the procession route and how to enter the Spot the Oddity competition.”