Mellksham's extravaganza is ready to roll (From This Is Wiltshire)

Mellksham's extravaganza is ready to roll

12:00pm Friday 17th July 2009 in

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The committee behind this year’s annual Party in the Park are looking forward to an extravaganza of music, dance, food and fireworks.

The event, which has cost about £20,000 and paid for through sponsorship and a grant from the town council, will take place on Saturday from 2pm on the King George V playing field in Melksham.

There will be three main entertainment areas as well as various stalls and places for people to buy food and drink.

Graeme Brady, who is chairman of the 12-strong committee behind the party, which is sponsored by local firms such as Leekes, said that this year there will be a £2 entry fee and the perimeter of the park will be fenced in to help keep trouble-makers out and keep the event family friendly.

He said: “It’s really pulling together, and there are three main entertainment areas. “Support for Party in the Park is certain with local organisations and businesses coming and using the day to create awareness of themselves through stalls, for instance.

“We have a main arena and there will be a film stunt team called On the Edge doing two 45-minute displays. There will also be a performance by the George Ward school windband and Kaya Drums, who are based in Marlborough.

“We are doing something a bit different this year too, having a marquee with alternative entertainment, which will include an open mic session where people can come along and do whatever they want, be it singing or stand up comedy.”

Other acts include an Abba tribute band called Bootleg Abba, a local 1960s-themed band called Carnaby Street and a nine-piece brass outfit called Gee Baby I Love You.

Fireworks by British musical display champions, Northern Lights, will also top off the evening of entertainment.

As well as music, dancing and food, there will be a dog show running throughout the day.

Carola Cooper, who is organising this part of the event, said she was looking forward to the wide variety of classes that are open to anyone, as well as the Good Companion Dog awards that will be given out to canines that pass testing by a qualified judge.

She said: “The dog show will be bigger and better than last year and we have a really lovely judge called Lou Garton this year. Anyone can come and enter on the day.”

The dog show is being sponsored by Beeches Veterinary surgery in Semington Road and Petstown in Bath Road.

Classes will include best novelty, best handler, any variety sporting, any variety puppy, best waggy tail, best brace and non-sporting, among others.