Countdown is on as mammoth fun day returns to popular park

The countdown is on to the popular We Love Tamworth extravaganza which returns to the Castle Grounds next week, bringing with it a jam-packed day of activities for the whole family.

Presented by Tamworth Borough Council’s Arts & Events team, We Love Tamworth will be back on Saturday, September 1, between 11am and 4pm, and is now in its sixth year. The exciting event brings a variety of entertainment for the day including fairground rides, games, children’s zone, a dog show and dozens of stalls.

This year has been made extra special as it will also celebrate Tamworth’s rich heritage. The historic Town Hall will be open between 10am and 3pm and the Mayor and Deputy Mayor will be in residence to show people around the Mayor’s parlour.

The Medieval Grave Diggers will be walking around the town as costumed characters along with a Thomas Guy and a Peeler character, and the Almshouses will also open its doors to visitors.

This year’s bumper event also includes a special parade of rainbows, brownies and girl guides in celebration of 100 years of Girlguiding Tamworth. This starts in the grounds at 1pm.

Visitors can also look out for Wheeze, the organic musical organ, made from ‘found’ junk materials. People are welcome to come and make their own music under the expert eye of the Engineer and will be encouraged to play a solo or have a jam with friends and strangers, producing many sounds that will emerge from its virtual lungs and vocal cords.

During the day Wheeze will go into live mode, featuring a series of short performances designed to show off this magnificent machine and guaranteed to get audiences wanting to have a go at making their own sounds.

At the centre of the festivities there will again be a special action-packed area to keep youngsters busy all day. The dedicated Children’s Zone will feature a variety of activities including walkabout characters, bouncy castles and slides, face painting, giant games and craft activities. Entry to the Children’s Zone is £3 for children - adults get in free of charge - and children can come and go as they please throughout the day.

Festival favourite, the novelty dog show, also returns for this year with many classes competing throughout the day including the cutest puppies, handsomest and prettiest, golden oldies and the waggiest tail. More information about the dog show is available by calling 0121 240 8130 or 07894 644572.

The stalls arena is again being run by Tamworth Lions Club, which has been supporting local charities and causes for 40 years.  Around 40 stalls were confirmed at the last count, made up of a range of charities, groups, businesses and local organisations.

Any charities, businesses, groups or organisations interested in booking a stall at the 2018 event can contact Mark Kyte at Tamworth Lions by emailing mark.kyte@tamworthlions.org.uk.

Cllr John Chesworth, Tamworth Borough Council’s Cabinet member for Culture and Operational Services, said: “There’s not long to go now until the sixth We Love Tamworth event and we are delighted to be able to host it again. It has become a great day out and a firm favourite among people of all ages. Each year the event grows more popular with local residents and visitors to our town. 

“This year’s event has all the favourites from previous years, as well as some really special extras, such as the Girlguiding Tamworth parade, celebrating 100 years of girlguiding in Tamworth, and the celebration of the town’s rich heritage. The Town Hall and the Almshouses will both be open during the day and invite people to take a free tour. I hope to see lots of Tamworth residents joining us for a packed day of family fun.”

 More information about this, and all other outdoor events organised by Tamworth Borough Council, is available at www.tamworthartsandevents.co.uk