The Party in the Park celebrated its 21st Anniversary with this year’s event, having become something of an institution in Poynton but attracting people from well outside the town’s boundaries. You could in essence describe this annual gathering as a collection of artists of varying quality all doing covers but that would not just undersell the Party in the Park but completely miss the essence of what this day is all about. The Party in the Park is a celebration of community, music and basically having a good time, with many people dressed for a party, determined to enjoy themselves come rain or shine.
Poynton is a village that became a town in 2010, situated right on the Cheshire border with South Manchester, so that there is the feel of the Peak district combined with excellent transports links, the park being some 10-15 minutes-walk from the train station, with very generous parking available right next to the party compound so the Party event is very accessible. It is also beautifully situated, with an array of high trees around surrounding half the area and views Derbyshire hills from the other side. Added to this, the party takes place right next to the 21-hectare Poynton Pool (sometimes incorrectly called Poynton Lake) so festival goers have scenic, pleasant walks available right by the compound, with Party wristbands letting everyone come in and out as they please.
Once inside, the Party is focused around a single main-stage with an arc of open-ended tents on the perimeter available to hire for an extra charge (easily big enough for a family) and another ticket upgrade option giving access to a marquee containing seats and tables, equipped with its own bar. For general party-goers, there is no protection from the elements so umbrellas are advised!
A small funfair ensures there is something to entertain small children with attractions including dodge ‘em cars (in a huge tent), a bouncy castle and rides such as revolving saucers and seat on rising metal arms. Candi-floss and confectionary stalls are close at hand.
There is a plentiful supply of fast-food and drinks vendors but it has to said that all goods on offer are at ‘festival prices’ so be warned. There are no restrictions on taking in your own food and many of party-goers bring in extensive picnic hampers rather than just to enough to sustain themselves during the wait for the performances. Doors open at 2.00pm and the closing act does not leave the stage until 10.00pm so there is plenty of time to picnic and party!
It is the atmosphere that makes the Party in the Park what it is and, in many ways, there is something refreshing about not having any ‘real’ famous names on the stage because it makes the event more about the people than some rock demigod whom everyone had come to pay homage to. That said, the Party does have a varied collection of genuine talent. Solo singer-guitarist Twixt kicked off the Party this year, with songs from the 80’s & 90’s followed by rock three-piece ‘Parlaiz’ who gave a foot-stomping, electric-guitar based twist on well-known songs from the 70’s through to the 2000’s, with numbers like ‘Mrs Robinson’ and ‘Don’t you forget about me’ (Simple Minds) given a different feel. ‘Monkey Harris’ gave more authentic renditions, particularly of Oasis songs, with the benefit of five musicians. Then followed the three tribute acts detailed in all promotional materials, starting with a Robin Williams tribute artist who got the audience going. The final two acts of the evening, The Killers UK and The Coldplay Tribute, each featured full bands of skilled musicians, giving detailed and authentic renditions from the back catalogues of the well-known groups that respectively inspired them.
The Party in the Park is a joyous fun occasion, that starts off quietly and builds up a community celebration where both young and old can be seen dancing and enjoying themselves well into the evening. Well worth going to.
Reviewer: John Waterhouse
On: 06.06.26
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