Welcome
Queen’s Park Day is run by the Queen’s Park Area Residents’ Association every September. The date for this year is Sunday 12th September 2010 and we look forward to seeing you there.
Information for prospective stall holders on this site from March 2010.
This is a popular local event which attracts thousands of visitors. There’s something for everyone: stalls, exciting arena events, children’s fancy dress, music and so much more.
Queen’s Park Day 2009 was a fantastic event, attended by 13,764 visitors, several dogs in fancy dress, 8 donkeys, 6 birds of prey and a jewel beetle (invited). The atmosphere was lively, the stalls interesting, the food delicious and the arena events breathtaking.
The idea in 2009 was to have fun on a budget. We were lucky enough to receive a Grassroots Grant from North West London community Foundation and sponsorship from some local businesses which enabled us to offer some great free events and others at very low prices. A whole family could enjoy Queen’s Park Day without spending anything at all! The arena events, magic shows by Mr Alexander, bandstand music and cycling roadshow were all free. Some of the stalls also had free activities for children. The donkeys, climbing wall, Rope-a-phobia all cost only £1.
The Organising Committee answers your questions about the day.
Q. What’s new this year?
A. “Get Cycling” from York are bringing their 5 seater bike and recumbent trikes for children and adults to ride. Did you travel backwards on the 5 seater bike? Terrifying, but fun at the same time!
Q. My children loved the tree climbing, what else is there?
A. Also new this year, Rope-a-phobia offers older children the chance to test their rope skills and head for heights
Q. What’s on in the arena?
A. The Kangaroos Gymnastic Display Team and the Eagle and Vulture Show as well as the Dog Show
Q. Can I get something to eat in the park?
A. You’ll be spoilt for choice with an even greater range of food stalls than last year, including seafood, hog roasts and pancakes
Q. What competitions were there?
A. the edible monster competition was back- the range of monsters was better than ever, and a new family competition – Decorate a Broom. We loved the brooms! As for baking, the quest this year was to find the best lemon drizzle cake. We had 28 entries in the baking competition.
Thanks to everyone who entered a competition.
Q. Who organises it?
A. The Queen’s Park Area Residents’ Association with help from the City of London park staff led by Richard Gentry, Sergeant Mick Pilkington and the Safer Neighbourhoods Team.
Q. Did you need any more help on the day?
A. Yes! The organisers were in the park for over 13 hours on Sunday, and for most of Saturday and Monday morning. Next year please set aside an hour to help – by refilling programme holders, wiping tables, making tea for the team or putting up tents. The tents would still be there if it wasn’t for the help of some passers by!
Q. Were the stalls the same as last year?
A. No, we always try to have some new stalls. There’s home-made jam and original art to African baskets and fair trade clothes. You’ll also be able to find out about new activities or groups to join.
Q. Who’s performing on the bandstand?
A. “Guided by Lights” a local acoustic duo, QPCS Jazz Band, Salusbury drummers, the Many Rivers Gospel choir
Q. I got a Penalty Notice during Queen’s Park Day while I was parked in a Residents’ Bay – do I have to pay it?
A. Contact elaine@queensparkday.org.uk and we’ll see what we can do
Q. Were you trying to raise money for anything this year?
A. Our main aim was to provide fun on a budget so we’ve kept prices as low as possible, but any surplus will go towards funding the re-design of the older children’s play area.
Andrea Szalanczi, Helen Durnford, Carin von Drehle, Elaine Henderson