NCLB Party in the Park proves a hit with Cheltenham families

More than 1000 families attended Pittville Park and Prince of Wales Stadium to experience the lively atmosphere of the recent No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Party in the Park. The event was buzzing with excitement as families enjoyed a range of free entertainment and sporting activities.

A collage of images of Andy Lewis and families attending Party in the Park photographed by Mikal Ludlow Photography.

Families gathered to enjoy music, dancing and entertainment in front of the Pittville Pump Rooms. Gold medal winning GB Paralympic triathlete, Andy Lewis was one of the many to take part in the programme of performances on the main stage giving an inspiring speech about overcoming challenges, goal setting and mental health.

Local community organisations offered support and guidance to families at the advice hub and approximately 420 children from vulnerable backgrounds were provided with a healthy lunch during the event. Around 150 families of children with additional needs who would have found the main event overwhelming, took advantage of the scheduled first quiet hour.

At the Olympic Village, both children and adults tried their hands at circus skills with World Jungle, played with parachutes, participated in dance competitions and got lost in storytelling. All ages braved the heights of the climbing wall and took part in sporting activities including fencing, archery and accessible cycling, themed around the Paris Olympics 2024. At the Extreme Sports Area, crowds were amazed by Team Extreme’s daring demos.

A collage of images of people outside of Pittville Pump Room, live performances and children reading photographed by Mikal Ludlow Photography.

Cllr Victoria Atherstone, cabinet member for safety and communities, said: “It is an absolute delight so many children and parents enjoyed their time at NCLB’s Party in the Park 2024.  With so many activities, stalls and entertainment on offer, there was plenty for everyone to enjoy.

“There was an incredible atmosphere at the event, full of fun and enthusiasm and it did a great job of bringing families and communities together. We are delighted so many children enjoyed this wonderful day, and that eligible families benefitted from a free healthy lunch, with thanks to funding through the Holiday Activity and Food Scheme (HAF).

I would like to extend my warmest thank you to our event partners, sponsors, and volunteers who helped make the event such a huge success.”

Matt Bellshaw, Project Lead for Golden Valley, said: “Golden Valley is proud to have sponsored NCLB’s Party in the Park. It was a fantastic event, bringing together communities and families in Cheltenham. We look forward to supporting future events and continuing our collaboration with No Child Left Behind on future initiatives.”

McDonald’s Franchisee, Paul Toner, who owns and operates eight restaurants in Gloucestershire and sponsored the Olympic Stadium at Party in the Park, said: “I’m a proud long-standing supporter of grassroots football, so I was delighted to sponsor this amazing event for the local community. Youth sport is really important for our community, which is why we support local teams through our restaurants by providing new kits and training equipment. It’s particularly exciting to be a part of initiatives like this as McDonald’s celebrates its 50th year in the UK.”

Thank you to all the event sponsors – Incito McDonalds, Active Impact, Hartpury, Renishaw Engineering and Golden Valley HBD – as well as all partners and volunteers for your support in making the event possible.

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