Carnival atmosphere in store at annual festival spectacular
Colourful carnival costumes, stunt riders, Japanese drumming and a Spitfire flypast are all included in the packed programme of attractions at the Festival of Leisure at Maurice Lea Memorial Park in Church Gresley.
A fun-filled weekend with things for people of all ages to see and do has been lined up at the annual event, and what is even better is that entry on both Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 June 2017, is free of charge.
As well as the major main arena performances which include the Spectacular Knights of the Crusades, Stunt Riders Live Tour, local dancing talent and dog agility shows, there will be fairground rides, a craft marquee, a Made in the National Forest marquee, live music from Touch FM, children’s entertainment, Bill Bailey’s Jazz Band, the Tribal Vibes and Taiko West Drumming Marquee, People Express marquee and lots more.
There will be plenty of chances to get involved too. A sports arena will provide activities to try out and an amazing free Carnival Dance Workshop should get everyone on their feet.
The East Midlands Caribbean Carnival Association Network (emccan) is supporting the festival again, with a selection of spectacular costumes and performers from across the region.
The ZCC Brass Band will perform their energetic renditions and there will be a huge butterfly and caterpillar roaming around the park on Saturday while on Sunday there will be magnificent animal costumes and a dazzling Carnival Creatures parade.
And don’t forget to look up – there will be a Lancaster flypast on the Saturday and a Spitfire flypast on the Sunday.
Organised by South Derbyshire District Council, the event is supported by Touch FM.
District Council Leader Councillor Bob Wheeler said: “The Festival of Leisure is always a highlight of the year and with the wide variety of attractions on offer this year we expect it to draw even bigger crowds than usual.
“We hope to see lots of visitors enjoying what promises to be a spectacular weekend.”
The fun kicks off at 12.30pm and continues until 5pm each day.
15 June 2017