Get ready for Market Drayton party – and it’s free
A brand new event will be introduced to Market Drayton's social calendar, bringing live music and food stalls.
Two community organisers in Mike Smith and Tim Beckett came together to plot Market Drayton Party in the Park, which will go ahead in the town park just off Drayton Grove on August 12.
Their initial plans have expanded to include seven or eight hours of music and entertainment put on by Shropshire acts, alongside fairground rides, a bar, trade stalls and face painting.
Among the performers will be Market Drayton's own teenage singer Lilly Boughey and homegrown acoustic duo Money Gum.
Mike Smith plays a role in the organisation of the annual Rock and Bowl festival in the town, and former town mayor Tim Beckett is the driving force behind the Market Drayton 10K.
They came together to plan the Party in the Park in just a few days after being inspired by a similar event in Whitchurch last weekend, and got the current mayor Mark Whittle on board as well.
Tim said: "Me and Mike work together on certain events and we thought we could have a go at putting something free on in Market Drayton for the community.
"We had the doubters come out, saying there was no way it could work, there would be too much red tape and not enough time. That spurred us on a bit really, we did it to show that you can put on a great event for free if you really try.
"Within five hours Mike and I had got the mayor of Market Drayton, Mark Whittle, on board with the town crier Geoff Russell. It has just blown up from there really.
"We have had so much input from the community and so many people coming forward, we originally thought the event would go from 1pm to 6pm but we have had that many acts that we will be put it forward to 12pm and go to either 7pm or 8pm at night. We are all absolutely stunned by how it has taken off."
Mike Smith said: "The doubters said it couldn't be done. I am amazed what four or five blokes can do in just 24 hours when they are all tuned into something great for our town. Community can achieve so much when they put their minds to it."
Mike and Tim are looking for any other acts that would like to be involved, be it singers, actors, comedians, fire eaters or local groups that would like a spot to show their talents. They also need more trade and charity stalls.
To learn more and signal interest in taking part on the day, contact the pair at mdpartyinthepark@gmail.com
