Congleton Park is getting ready to take part in 'Love Parks Week' running from today (Friday, 28 July) to 6 August 2023.

The annual campaign run by Keep Britain Tidy celebrates parks, green spaces, and the dedicated volunteers and workers that look after them all year round. 

Congleton Town Council and the Friends of Congleton Park are showing their continued support for the campaign with free family-friendly activities during the week of action.

Ruth Burgess, Streetscape Development Manager said: "We are expecting lots of families to join us, as we celebrate the town's impressive park, loved and cherished by residents and visitors alike.

"The popular scavenger hunt and quiz will make a return. Little scavengers can don their wellies or sunhats (depending on the great British weather) and explore the park's gardens and town wood spotting nature and wildlife. Simply pick up your free sheet from Stock at the Pavilion and follow the clues. On returning the completed sheet back to Stock, children will receive a free piece of fruit and a drink kindly donated by Stock and a packet of seeds to plant at home from Congleton in Bloom.

Ruth continues: "The park is looking fabulous which is testament to officially being recognised among some of the best parks in the country by Keep Britain Tidy. We are flying our 16th consecutive Green Flag Award with pride. Everyone is pulling out all the stops to keep the ornamental gardens looking their best before the RHS In Bloom judges arrive on 1 August as Congleton is going for Gold in the North West Large Town Category. A massive thank you to the Streetscape team, the 'Friends', In Bloomers and all the volunteers for their hard work and support all year round."

The park not only boasts beautiful blooms, it has a busy programme of events and activities. The annual Back to Back Garden displays can be viewed in the polytunnels at weekends throughout July and August, 2pm-4pm (opening the last weekend in July). This year's theme is 'Celebrations' to commemorate 25 years of Congleton In Bloom as well as the Coronation of King Charles III.

The Friends of Congleton Park are in the throws of their summer concert series. Pack a picnic and enjoy a free afternoon of rousing brass band tunes from the bandstand. Forthcoming dates are 30 July, 6 &13 August and 1 October (held in the Town Hall). Further details can be found on the 'Friends' website and Facebook.

In other areas of the park, the Bee Garden continues to flourish, a new inclusive roundabout has been installed in the children's play area and a 'chatty' bench put in offering a spot for people to come together for a chat, helping reduce their sense of loneliness and isolation. A trip to the park wouldn't be complete without an ice cream from Stocks at the Pavilion!

For more information on Love Parks Week visit: www.keepbritaintidy.org