by Rebecca Hannant
Burstwick’s second Party in the Park was a great success, its organiser has said.
David Gelder, who has held numerous fundraising events, originally thought of the idea in January 2022 to lift people’s spirits on the back of lockdown.
Last year’s event on Festival Field was a sell-out within two weeks of advertising the tickets, but the aim for 2023 was for it to be even bigger and better – and this time all 1,000 tickets were sold.
Over the course of the day, there were live bands on a 21ft stage and a children’s party tent, as well as two fully stocked bars, two food vendors, an ice cream truck, face painter, hair braider, raffle with 55 prizes all donated by local organisations and businesses, and nine stalls selling handmade and homemade goods.
David said: “The closer to the date it got, the more anxious we became about the attendees due to the weather. However, we really needn’t have worried! A total of 650 people still turned up with their umbrellas, ponchos, wellies and gazebos all prepared to rock Burstwick up… and they most definitely did that.
“After days of constantly viewing the weather forecast, which meant plans had to change last-minute, it’s fair to say that the event was another huge success. All of which would not have been able to go ahead without our amazing sponsors.”
Although donations are still coming in, David has confirmed that they have raised about £4,500, which will be split between the Special Stars Foundation and Burstwick Village Hall.
He added: “Last year’s event was the digging, this year was putting the foundations down, so it’s only right that next year is going to be the first layer of bricks! Let the planning commence.
“We would like to thank everyone that attended the event, as if it wasn’t for all of you, it wouldn’t have been a huge success again.”
