Thousands enjoy picnic in the park

Thousands of people from across Chorley and beyond had a fun-filled afternoon in Astley Park on Sunday (5 July) as Chorley Council hosted its annual picnic in the park.

From lunch time Astley Park was full of laughter, singing and dancing as families enjoyed bands, singers and special appearances from the cast of CBeebies favourite The Rhyme Rocket and the Snow Sisters and Olaf.

Despite the rain arriving at around 2.45pm, families braved the downpour to see one of this year’s Britain’s Got Talent stars, Henry Gallagher, who wowed the remaining crowd with his energetic performance.

Over 8000 people turned out for the annual event with every act on the Rock FM stage delighting the crowd. 

There was also face painters, balloon modellers, arts and crafts and children and their families had a go at every activity that was on offer in the sports and soft play area down towards the bowling and putting greens.  Additionally, thousands of people took on the Explorer orienteering challenge and the Sky Ride Local navigated through the crowds to enjoy their bike ride.

Councillor Alistair Bradley, Leader of Chorley Council, said: “Picnic in the park gets bigger and better every year and it was fantastic to see so many people enjoying the entertainment and delights of Astley Park with their family and friends.

“Everywhere you looked, people were enjoying picnics and it was good to hear that a lot of people had travelled to the event from surrounding towns like Wigan, Bolton and Preston. 

The acts and atmosphere were brilliant with everyone clapping and singing along and it was great to see families having fun and trying every activity that was on offer. 

“It was a shame the rain arrived later in the afternoon but we got through most of the schedule and most people continued to enjoy the entertainment. 

“We’ve still got lots of events to come this summer including animals in the park on Saturday 18 July, the first ever Chorley Flower Show on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 August, playday on Wednesday 5 August, two more theatre in the park events on Sunday 16 August and Saturday 29 August and much more. 

For further details visit chorley.gov.uk/whatson or pick up a copy of the What’s Happening magazine.”

ENDS

Pic caption: The cast of the Rhyme Rocket wow the crowds at Chorley Council’s picnic in the park.
 
For more information, contact Campaigns and Engagement Manager (Events), Louise Finch on 01257 515062