More than 6,500 children, young people and their families attended No Child Left Behind’s (NCLB) Party in the Park, filling Pittville Park and Prince of Wales Stadium for a day of free fun, activities and entertainment.
The much-loved summer event featured more than 80 free activities across four themed zones, giving families plenty of opportunities to get active, be creative and try something new. From sports and circus skills to music, dance and art, there was something for everyone to enjoy.
Throughout the day, crowds gathered at the NCLB Main Stage for entertainment and performances from hosts Camilla Lewington and Kishi and Maria Allebone, alongside performances from local groups including CEG band and Kingdom Academy of Performing Arts.
At the Festival Field, both children and adults tried their hands at circus skills with World Jungle, watched a silly science show and got lost in storytelling. Children braved the heights of the climbing wall and competed in the mini-Olympics event at the Move More Arena. At the Urban Playground, Friends of Montpellier Skatepark thrilled crowds with skateboarding demos, while The Music Works bus offered children and young people the chance to explore music and get creative.
Local community organisations offered support and guidance to families at the advice hub, and 1,200 children were provided with a healthy lunch through Gloucestershire County Council’s Holiday Activity and Food Scheme (HAF). Food donations for the event were provided by FeedCheltenham with support from The Jockey Club, Sewa Day and Tesco.
Councillor Jamie Jamieson, cabinet member for safety and communities, said: “It was great to see Pittville Park and the Prince of Wales Stadium full of families enjoying everything Party in the Park had to offer.
“Whether families came for the sports, performances, creative activities or to get support from local organisations, the event provided a wide range of opportunities to get involved. The atmosphere throughout the day was brilliant and showed the very best of Cheltenham.
“We’re really pleased that so many eligible families benefited from a free healthy lunch through Gloucestershire County Council’s Holiday Activity and Food Scheme (HAF).
“A huge, sincere, thank you to our sponsors, partners, hosts, volunteers and everyone who helped make the event happen. Their support helps ensure Party in the Park remains free and accessible for local families.”
Nicole Hastie, chief executive officer at Active Impact, said: “Making events inclusive from the start means disabled children and their families can take part and enjoy the day without barriers. We were pleased to support Party in the Park by grant funding the Mobiloo, ensuring suitable toileting facilities for those with more significant personal care needs. Our sensory chill out space also offered a calm spot for anyone needing a break. These small additions make a big difference, and it was wonderful to see so many children and young people able to join in.”
Thank you to all the event sponsors: Frazer-Nash Consultancy, Golden Valley HBD, Renishaw Engineeringand Active Impact. The zones hosts: The Children’s Society and Move More. And to the Cheltenham Trust for their support and catering – as well as all partners and volunteers who helped make the event possible.
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