King’s Park is set to host a packed summer of events this year, with the highlight being the 80th anniversary celebrations at the end of June. Retford’s much-loved and award-winning park was officially opened on 29th June 1938 to commemorate the reign of King George V and the coronation year of King George VI.
Plans to host an extra-special celebration on Saturday 30th June 2018 are well underway, as well as a number of additional events to entertain the whole family over the summer months.
The busy summer schedule kicked-off with Charter Day, followed by Armed Forces Day and the anniversary celebrations in June, as well as a three-week stretch of performances in the park by Talegate Theatre in August, and much, much more!
Councillor Julie Leigh, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods at Bassetlaw District Council, said: “This summer looks set to be a fantastic celebration of Kings’ Park and we are delighted to be hosting a number of events over the coming months.
“The highlight of these is set to be the 80th anniversary of the park and we hope this celebration will be supported by local residents and businesses.”
The ‘garden party’ themed event will take you back to the 1930s, with vintage fairground attractions, traditional games and activities and performances from swing bands, dance performances and a big screen showing old film footage and photographs from the original opening in 1938.
The celebrations won’t just be taking place in the park and vintage bus rides, events in the Town Square and Bassetlaw Museum and displays throughout the town will help to make this an extra special event.
Organisers Bassetlaw District Council, in partnership with EES Showhire and supported by the Retford Business Forum, Retford Civic Society and North Notts BID, are looking for local business to support the event and would like to hear from businesses and charities who would be interested in taking out a stall on the day.
The Council would also be interested to hear from residents who have pictures and memories of Kings’ Park throughout the years, especially if anyone was at the official opening in 1938.
Located in the very heart of Retford, award-winning Kings’ Park is often described as the ‘Jewel in the Crown’ of Bassetlaw District Council’s green spaces. Covering an area of over 10 hectares, the park is divided into two parts by the River Idle, which provides a scenic backdrop for people using the facility. The park has many features and facilities including:
- Children’s water play area
- Bowling green
- Tennis courts
- Multi-use games area
- Skate park
- Play area
- Performance stage
- Rose garden
- Community garden
- Wildlife garden
- Formal gardens
- Kiosk/public conveniences