Grant helps bring back annual park celebration

A community group in County Durham is preparing to welcome more than 1000 visitors to its annual Party in the Park after securing a £500 grant.

The Friends of Addison Park received the support from the Banks Group’s Community Fund to help organise this year’s free family event, which takes place on Saturday, August 1.

Held at Addison Park on Browney Lane, the event will feature activities including a craft tent, bouncy castle, archery, giant garden games, face painting, mehndi henna body art and a children’s play area, alongside food stalls and concessions.

Local organisations including Move County Durham, Brandon & Carrside Youth Club and Durham Prostate Cancer Group will also be taking part.

First held in 2016, Party in the Park has grown into one of the area’s biggest annual community events, attracting families from Browney, Meadowfield and Brandon while celebrating the work of the Friends of Addison Park throughout the year.

Founded in 1999, the volunteer group works to improve and maintain the park for local residents and will organise litter picks before and after the event.

Group secretary Jackie Waggott said: “The Party In The Park is a brilliant family event with lots of things for people of all ages to enjoy and we’re already counting down to this year’s big day.

“It’s the highlight of the year for the Friends, and gives us the chance to show local people the impact that the work we do through the year has on this important community facility.

“We try to make the Party as inclusive and accessible as we can, so that everyone can enjoy a day out without worrying about the cost and gets the chance to make some new connections across our community.

“Without the funding we’ve had from the Banks Group and our other supporters, the Party simply wouldn’t be happening and we’re really grateful for their continuing help in making Addison Park the best possible community facility it can be.”

The Banks Group, which is headquartered in Meadowfield, has supported the Friends of Addison Park for a number of years, with previous grants helping fund new equipment, landscaping projects and other improvements to the park.

Kate Culverhouse, community relations manager at the Banks Group, whose community funds are independently managed by Point North, added: “The Friends group is absolutely committed to keeping Addison Park in the best possible condition and to providing a welcoming venue for this brilliant annual event.

“We’re very glad to be extending our support for the Friends’ invaluable work and hope as many local people as possible get to enjoy a fun, sunny Saturday in the park next month.”

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