Thousands enjoy T-Party in Telford Town Park
Nothing could put a dampener on proceedings as thousands of people turned out to enjoy Telford & Wrekin Council’s T-Party festival in Telford Town Park on Saturday.
Despite the weather, the Arena was filled with entertainment for all the family, from arts and crafts, music and street theatre, poetry and storytelling, to acrobatics, puppetry, sports and leisure activities, a funfair and food and craft markets.
Hilarious duo Granny Turismo zoomed back to T-Party for the second year, entertaining festival goers with dance routines on their shopping trolleys.
Story Potato King, a walking story teller, and the Magical Musical Bike, which provided bubbles and tunes, entertained in the Arena.
For those wishing to shelter from the occasional wetter moments, the new Southwater Library hosted activities, including a felt making workshop, peg doll and wand making. Storytelling magician Barrington Powell left onlookers spell bound.
By the waters of Southwater Lake, there was the chance to enter the jaws of a giant silver whale to be serenaded by a lovesick submariner in search of his missing cat.
In the centre of the Arena, a 6m high rig was the setting for acrobatic displays from the Lovely Bugs, a spider, a bumble bee and a ladybird.
This year saw a fun fair in the Telford International Centre car park, next to the Arena.
Many local residents showed their enthusiasm for T-Party via the council’s Facebook page.
Quotes included: “Was a really good day even with the weather. Hope it’s on again next year.”
“It was a great day out, lots of top class entertainers and workshops. Thanks to everyone who gave their time again.”
“Braved it with my 6 year old. The arts people who made the donkey ears were fab. We enjoyed that. The ladies selling Jamaican food were lovely as was the cake lady with the origami cranes (son loves his - cake is long gone). Shame about the weather but it's England in August and these things happen. We're waterproof.”
Councillor Liz Clare, cabinet member for leisure services and culture, said: “T-Party showed what a great asset Telford Town Park is for the borough.
“We’re really pleased that everyone turned out, in spite of the rain and hope we can continue to build on a second successful year of T-Party and see it expand again.
“The Town Park and new Southwater development have been attracting families all summer and we’re hoping this continues.
“Telford Town Park will host two nights of live music later in the month when T-Live returns for a second year.”
T-Party 2014 was sponsored by Ricoh and Greenhous who helped to make it possible.
