☔ 💦 Giant Slides, Giant Splashes and Zorbing in the rain: another successful year for Party by the Park! 🌧️🎉

Well… we did say rain or shine—and wow, the skies opened up! Thankfully, not even a summer downpour could dampen the fun at this year’s Party by the Park.

Zorbing was the runaway hit of the day (literally). Picture giant inflatable hamster balls rolling at lightning speed, soaked kids with soggy socks and huge grins, laughing uncontrollably and an epic-giant slide that felt like a water ride!

While the rain chased some of us under gazebos and into Bell Tent Adventure’s sensory tent, our face painting wizards filled the Folk Hall with fluttering butterflies, roaring tigers, and a surprisingly fierce (but friendly) dinosaur. Meanwhile, upstairs in Bramley, Sweet Legacies brought stories to life and children designed their dream confectionery!

Hook-a-duck had some competition this year with Puddles proving to be the most popular mallard at Party by the Park. Luckily the local police were on hand to keep it calm and parents suspiciously enjoyed getting snaps of children ‘locked up’ in the back of the police van. Don’t worry the tiny tots were ‘locked up and loving it’ after trying on hats and the siren happy, mini officers kept the blue lights flashing throughout the day.

Thanks to the 1800+ visitors to Party by the Park, the FONESP tombola sold out in record time at just under an hour- Yes! Less than an hour!! But there was still plenty to get involved in with the Rotary’s hoopla, spinning plates and splat the rat. JRHT staff gave us some spin to win fun while capturing community conversations and there were stalls for those curious about recycling.

Creative energy filled Orchard Hall as Thrive Outside got us making rustic frames and natural monoprints, all worthy of display. You could hear the electric vibe inside and out as a joyful mix of local talent filled the Folk Hall with live music. Bargestra brought an energetic beat that got everyone on their feet, The Fruity Pebbles got everyone singing with well-known covers and Captain Flamtastic and the Upbeats brought the thunder and unforgettable pulse of the day!

There was “something for everyone” with tempting local bakes from Casey’s Cakes, Roberts and Sons homemade pizzas and warming hot drinks from the Folk Hall café. Shmoozy’s milkshakes and snacks reminded us it’s never too wet for ice cream and Party by the Park reminded us what makes our community so special. It’s not just the fun (though there was plenty)—it’s the people who bring it all to life.

Thank you to everyone who danced in the drizzle, played through the puddles, and reminded us that the best events don’t need perfect weather—just amazing people.

See you again next year!!