News

Poole Park Fest '08

The Poole Park Festival 2008 is set to be bigger and better than ever with a whole host of free attractions and live music for all the family over the August bank holiday weekend.

The festival, run by the Friends of Poole Park , takes place on Sunday August 24, from 11am to 7.00pm, and Monday 25 August from 11am to 6.00pm.

This year's event has a sports, leisure and music theme to raise awareness of the activities and facilities on offer at Poole Park.

Events include Vertigo Rock Climbing, the Animal Bike Team Show and Chinese Lion and Dragon dance displays. A host of relaxation therapies, including Indian head massage, aromatherapy and Reiki will be on offer.

In the West Field of the park, Mr Kyp's Live Music Venue will host an exciting mix of free live music to suit all ages, including:

• Sunday - Legend - the music of Bob Marley, Rockin' The Joint, Lady Winwood's Maggot, Ed Hintze as Elton John and Martin Harley Band
• Monday - Beach Boys Inc., The Rat Pack, Rory Ellis and Rat Race

Free dance workshops will feature 'The Thing' Modern Jive with Paul Walker and 'Latino Beat' Salsa and Merengue, will be appearing on the second stage with other bands.

There will also be sports activities such as canoeing, windsurfing and sailing.

The event, being held for the fifth year running, is organised by 'Friends of Poole Park', a charity formed to promote and develop Poole Park, and is sponsored by a number of local organisations. All proceeds from the event go to the Friends of Poole Park, to invest in the park.

Bob Lister, Chairman and Publicity Officer, Friends of Poole Park, said: "Poole Park is a wonderful place and we are delighted that the Fest is enjoyed by so many people each year. We hope this year will be bigger and better than ever before and families continue to enjoy the park and the facilities here throughout the year."

Cllr Peter Adams, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Culture, Borough of Poole, said: "The festival is a fantastic way of bringing the community together where they can enjoy and participate in activities available locally. We are hugely supportive of this event and the hard work put in by everyone involved."

More information about the Fest can be found on the Friends of Poole Park website .

If you would like to volunteer to help on either or both the days please contact Elaine Lawford on 01202 257825 or 07968 903063 or email e.lawford@ntlworld.com

Entry is free but there is a voluntary donation of £2.