Party in the Park heading to Bishop's Castle as live events return to the town

Organisers of a music event say they are jumping with joy over hosting one of the first live events in the tourist town in the past year.

Front: Abby Matthews, and back L-R: Hayley Brewer and Ollie Franklin from Centre Stage, organisers of Bishop's Castle Party in the Park

Party in the Park is one of the most popular and established events held in the south Shropshire town each year, bringing together live music, local artists and a great atmosphere.

Bishop's Castle prides itself on being a tourist town and loves to welcome people to its live events, but last year events such as Party in the Park were cancelled for the first time in ten years due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Now, members of Centre Stage are holding out hope they will be able to stage the live music event again on Saturday, July 24 this year.

Abby Matthews, chair of Centre Stage, said they are waiting for the confirmation on the easing of restrictions further but they are confident the show will go on.

"We have a fantastic line-up and some great food stalls and activities lined up for the kids," she said. "We are just praying for the weather to be on our side for everyone's sake but we can't wait to actually hold the event, it will be great.

Front: Abby Matthews, and back, from left to right: Hayley Brewer and Ollie Franklin from Centre Stage, organisers of Bishop's Castle Party in the Park

"We are also hoping people won't feel too afraid to come out – we are putting everything in place to make sure the event is Covid-safe, including hand sanitising stations and face mask requirements at the bar. Just so people can have peace of mind and enjoy themselves really.

"Centre Stage took over from AMP, who organised it in previous years, and they have been really graceful in giving us the plans and been really supportive throughout. We thought at the end of April when they said we could possibly go ahead, let's just do it. Even if we just started planning it, and if it doesn't work out, at least we tried instead of just saying no we won't hold it this year.

"We really want to give the community something to look forward to – it's been such a difficult year or so for everyone. So we are hoping for the best, and if not then at least we will have some good practice for next year."

Party in the Park was set up by the original committee because they were parents, their children were in bands and they found there was nowhere for them to perform. So they created Party in the Park as an event where the up and coming artists could have the chance to play to crowds of people, alongside bigger names to draw the crowds.

Party in the Park will be held on Saturday, July 24, 2021. Gates will open at 12 noon, with music starting from 1pm until 10.30pm.

Follow Centre Stage on facebook.com/centrestagefb to stay updated and see the line-up. Tickets will be on sale soon.