Press Releases

August 04 2009

The sun shone on east Manchester’s biggest annual event

Four thousands of people attended the 7th annual summer Party in the Park event at Philips Park in Clayton in east Manchester on Sunday 2 August.

As part of the event, New East Manchester's Seeds of the East festival took place all afternoon offering a host of family-friendly activities with a 'Grow Your Own' theme including two gardening themed children's shows, craft workshops where children could create a festival hat to wear, decorate a pot, make a kite or turn a recycled tin can into a clock.

There were also strolling theatre performances, an All FM Music stage with CBeebies's star, Jelly, live on stage, pedal powered smoothie making, fancy dress vegetable obstacle course races and an opportunity to learn circus skills.

Friends of Philips Park sold food and drink to raise money for the park. Manchester Leisure, part of Manchester City Council that manages parks, arranged a large children's funfair. And a City in the Community team from Manchester City FC provided football coaching for youngsters.

Sean McGonigle, Deputy Chief Executive at New East Manchester, said: "We were delighted with the turn-out. There must have been about 4,000 people in the park and everyone seemed be having fun. It was wonderful to see so many local people out in the sunshine enjoying the free activities. The 'Grow Your Own' theme was very well received and many of the activities offered the chance of learning more about healthy eating and how to grown your own fruit and vegetables which can also help with the weekly food bill. All-in-all it was a great summer's event and we're already looking forward to next year's."

Spectators also watched competitors in the second 5km Urbanathlon finish the course in the main field at Philips Park.

For further information on New East Manchester visit www.neweastmanchester.com.