When:
25th August 2018 @ 12:00 pm – 9:30 pm
2018-08-25T12:00:00+01:00
2018-08-25T21:30:00+01:00
Where:
Vale Park
Hilda Wharf
Aylesbury HP20 1RJ
UK
Cost:
Free
Contact:
Ruth Mayhew

This year’s Parklife Weekend is shaping up to be the best year yet.

Parklife weekend will start at 12noon on Saturday 25th August with Live in the Park. Headlining this fabulous free music extravaganza will be a double headline of two amazing local bands – BUSTIN’ LOOSE and Skamungas. Both bands will be performing a set of their very popular covers, featuring classics like Mr BlueSky, Parklife, Special Brew and many, many more. Then combining all band members in a stage filling, dance inspiring, arm waving and sing-along spectacular of great tunes, to close the festival with style. Mart from Skamungas says “We are thrilled to be co-headlining what has become the biggest and best festival of live music in the area, so generously provided by Aylesbury Town Council for everyone to freely enjoy. Coupling the band’s unique take on Ska with the vast covers experience that comes with Bustin’ Loose will guarantee that Live in the Park 2018 closes with a huge party. We absolutely can’t wait!”

Live in the Park Main Stage will include music from EverusA Little Bit CountryInto The SouthToffeesSerenade The Stars & Nikki Loy and on the Second Stage you’ll get to see The White Tips, Lost & Found, Craig Live, Casey Leigh_OfficialInlak’esh and Sinfiction. (all performers are correct at the time of going to press, but are subject to change)

In addition to the live music there will be free traditional fun fair rides and loads of free activities, games, fun and entertainment, including face-painting from Zoomania Aylesbury, safe sun-gazing with UK Astronomy Events, music lessons from XYZ Music Academy and skills with Affinity, prize hoopla with Tesco Aylesbury 2 Community raising fund for the Mayor’s charity Carers Bucks, with lots more still to be confirmed in the Community Involvement Area, which is provided by local businesses, charities and organisations. If you fancy being involved in this, please do contact Aylesbury Town Council.

As your Town Council we are thrilled to bring you this inclusive, free family event at the height of the summer and in the heart of our town. Following visitor feedback from the past 3 years we have developed and improved the event. Your comments lead to the selection of this year’s Headline acts, more original artists, as well as the introduction of more toilets, more security, more venue lighting, more stalls in the CIA area and the exciting introduction of a Market Stall area too. We work hard to showcase and engage with lots of local performers, businesses and charities to provide you with an event which is relaxed, safe and family friendly, which supports our local community and economy.

Once again we will be joined by volunteers from Buckinghamshire Disability Service (BuDS) who assist us in providing an event that is accessible for all. With the addition and inclusion of a variety of facilities and procedures to ensure everyone can enjoy the event alongside family and friends.

On Saturday evening it’s Stars in the Park; where you can join the amateur experts from UK Astronomy Events to find out more about the stars, planets and solar system.

On the Sunday Aylesbury Church Network host an open air church service, Church in the Park, followed by Banquet in the Park, a chance to feast on a selection of fine multi-cultural dishes provided free by different ethnic groups from our town. Sunday also sees the introduction of Strongman in the Park – a charity fire truck pull, tug-of-war and tests of strength, organised by Devanney Strength alongside the Aylesbury Fire Station from 12noon until 1pm.

The entire weekend culminates with Proms in the Park – part of Parklife Weekend, where you are invited to bring picnics, rugs, flags and your singing voices for this great British tradition, with a 45 piece concert band, soloists and a guest interval performance, still to be confirmed. A spectacular firework display will finish the entire weekend at 9:30pm on Sunday 26th August.

With thanks to all of the companies and organisations involved in helping to provide this event to you free of charge.

More information to be posted here as we get closer to the event – so check back weekly for updates….

 

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW…..

 

WHO IS ON THE MAIN STAGE

With only 2 weeks until Live in the Park – part of Parklife Weekend, fill’s Vale Park, it’s time to give you the line-up for the main stage. We hope that you enjoy the variety of music styles on offer, do check out each of the bands and come and show your support for Aylesbury’s vibrant music scene.

Everus is an alternative rock band based in the Aylesbury area. Comprising of 5 members: Nick, George, Beattie, Jamie and Tom. Having studied music together at university and helped each other out on various projects and events, these 5 friends found themselves writing their own material from deep within Tom’s garden shed!

Into The South are a mix of rock, southern rock and blues. After gigging for many years these musicians have come together to return to their roots. They have an impressive catalogue of venues they have performed at, which include 100 Club, Troubadour, 02 Islington and the Rock and Blues Festival.

Tiny TC – Baby and Toddler Sign are a group of “little people” who will amaze you with their sign language skills, having been taught by the amazing Marie Lyn Biswell who, along with her team, are interpreting the entire event, for our visitors who are hard of hearing.

A Little Bit Country are a very popular Aylesbury duo who are a fusion of traditional and contemporary outlaw country. One half British and one half American, they mix classic country with contemporary styles, and bringing a Taste of Nashville, and Texas Country Music, to the UK. Be ready for a set that is sure to get you dancing.

Toffees are a fast-rising young band playing “Club rock” with original heavy hooks. They deliver fresh and exciting live performances featuring truly dynamic and soulful vocals fused with epic melodies and beats. Toffees were the winners of our Open Mic competition and have rightly won their spot on this years main stage.

If John Mayer and Tom Petty had a love child, it would be Serenade The Stars. Soaring vocals layered with crisp guitar riffs, deliver an immersive listening experience guaranteed to pull on the heart strings and bring out the romantic in everyone.

Nikki Loy is a writer and singer of classy pop songs, with a sensational voice that soars as well as it rocks, wowing audiences all over the UK. She is described as Blues Belle, Soul Diva and Pop Princess artfully rolled into one!

DOUBLE HEADLINE OF ……
Bustin Loose have been entertaining the crowds for over 25 years, their energy, professionalism and focus exudes in every performance, they just keep getting better – it’s clear that these guys love what they do! Bustin’ Loose play the anthems that will make you rock, sing and dance the night away – Not to be missed!

…and…

Skamungas are a high energy ska and reggae band. Formed recently in 2017, the band has already headlined Astonbury and been snapped up to play at Penn Festival. The boys are delighted to have been chosen to co-headline Live In The Park 2018 and will ensure that the festival ends as a massive party.

Bustin’ Loose and Skamungas will each play a ½ hour set, then combine for a massive stage filling, dance inspiring, arm waving and sing-along spectacular of great tunes, to close the festival with style.

Our special guest singer has been confirmed, but you’ll have to wait for the night to find out who it is!! Guesses in the comments below……… (but we’re not going to tell you if you are right)

 

WHO IS ON THE MIX96 SECOND STAGE

This year, the acts on the Mix 96 Second Stage will be giving you even more original material mixed with a spattering of covers.

The White Tips are an Alternative Rock 3 piece band with addictive riffs and indie-punk infused vocals from Aylesbury. Their music ranges in genre from song to song but can be mainly placed in Grunge, Alt Rock.

Lost + Found are an energetic indie pop band from Aylesbury. Their set includes some of your favourite indie classics as well as a few originals which fuse the bands love of R&B/hip-hop with their guitar roots. They won a “Wild Card” space at Live in the Park, following a talented and energetic audition at the Open Mic Competition.

Craig Live sings and plays guitar at pubs, weddings, parties, shopping centres and schools, by taking his kit in a taxi or travelling with small amp on the bus. Playing songs from the 1960’s, 70’s, 80’s and 90’s, plus some comedy, Irish and originals. Winner of our Second Stage spot at the Open Mic Competition due to his unique and positively quirky audition, beautifully combined with amazing guitar skills.

The “Don’t Walk Away” and “Umama” singer Casey Leigh_Official has recorded her music and toured across Ireland, UK and South Africa. Her chart single “Don’t Walk Away” was recorded and produced in Dublin by acclaimed producer Pat Donne and her debut album was recorded and produced by award winning producers at Zebra 1 in Surrey, United Kingdom.

Inlak’esh are a four piece instrumental acoustic band from Milton Keynes, who work tirelessly on creating succulent, ear pleasing yet hard hitting grooves, delivering distinctive albeit confusingly intricate Spanish scale to Arabian influenced melodies and evoking rhythmical senses with punctuated pauses and timely grabs to create shock and awe.

Sinfiction have been performing together for four years and define themselves as an indie rock band that places its focus on crafting lively, catchy songs with great melodies and choruses. The band boasts a diverse range of musical influences, these eclectic musical tastes, which include classic rock, dance and heavy metal, bring a natural flair for rhythm and melody to SinFiction’s songwriting. On stage, this combines with acoustic guitars, driving beats and soaring harmonic vocals to create a truly unique sound, resulting in the kind of catchy, memorable rock songs you think you’ve known all your life.

 

OUR COMMITMENT TO THE ENVIRONMENT

We are calling on your assistance to reduce the 2.8 tons of waste the event generated last year and help us make Parklife Weekend a #nowastetolandfillevent in 2018.

Re-fill not Land-fill is the ethos at this years Live in the Park.

 No single-use plastic cups will be offered, instead refillable cups are on sale for £1 (available in pint and ½ pint sizes). We encourage you to keep your cup as a souvenir, which will be perfect for picnics and other outdoor events – you could even bring it back next year!! If you really want, you may get your £1 refunded at the end of the event – (restricted to 1 refund per person)
 Straws will not be available
 Catering stalls are using compstable serving containers
🔋 All rubbish collected across the weekend will be used to generate energy.
🗑️ Please use all of the rubbish bins provided. Rubbish bags are available at the Meeting Point, in case you forget yours. Alternatively you can take your rubbish and recycling home with you.
🚬 Please use the ashtrays provided and be considerate to other visitors as to where you smoke. There will be a smoking area, should you wish to use it.

We thank you in advance for your assistance in helping make our event a green one – even though the grass is brown 😉

 

ACCESS INFORMATION ……

We aim to make Live in the Park as accessible as possible, for all. Working alongside Buckinghamshire Disability Service (BuDS) we are proud to add a number of features that we hope will assist those with family members who may have additional needs, so that the entire family can enjoy the event together

 Sign language interpretation for the entire 9.5hour event, including song lyrics and compere links. This service is generously brought to you by Marie from Tiny TC – Baby and Toddler Sign part of Total Communication – Interpreting Services Ltd. They will also have a stall in the CIA, where you can join in some sign language fun, in addition to a short performance from some of their own Tiny Tots on the Mix 96 Second Stage.
 2 disabled toilets are located closest to the main area and directly off a level concrete path
There will be a dedicated raised viewing platform, including a number of chairs and space for wheelchairs
A “Welfare Unit”, which will provide quiet and confidential space
 A quieter play zone, which is sheltered and contains suitable toys, books and puzzles
 Dog water bowl
Children’s ear defenders are available for a £10 refundable deposit
Identity wrists bands are available free of charge
 A “Hold my place in the queue” sign is available to use
Plastic straws are available at the BuDS stand, as they are generally not permitted at the event.
 Additional disabled parking in public spaces at AquaVale swimming pool, this will extend around the full curve outside the pool and extend into the coach parking bay. To be manned by BuDS volunteers
Trackway over the grass, across the middle of the park, improving navigation around the event
Printed versions of compere notes in both regular and large print
Large print version of the performance times and band information
Participants of the Community Involvement Area and the fun fair will be briefed to make suitable adaptations to their activities, to be all inclusive and accessible for all, whenever possible. As these services are provided by external companies, the level of service cannot be guaranteed. However should you require any additional assistance in this area please mention it to any of the Event Crew, in bright green T-shirts, or BuDS volunteers.
Dedicated BuDS information point, where help and assistance about this event and other services can be found
If you feel that we could make any other additional changes, please do get in touch, so that we can try to provide the appropriate service.

 

BARS, CATERING AND PICNICS…

You are very welcome to bring your own picnics and drinks to Live in the Park – part of Parklife Weekend – but if you’d rather sit back, relax and have your food prepared for you, or your beer served cold, you’re in luck as we have some fantastic local bars and catering lined up for you.

We are calling on you to help reduce the amount of disposable plastic waste at this years event – to achieve this we will be asking visitors to purchase a reusable plastic cup for £1. Refunds are available at the end of the event should you not wish to take your cup home, but we hope you’d like it as a souvenir. Single use plastic cups or straws will NOT be available.

The Horse and Jockey will have a wide range of traditional ales, alongside Carling on draught, wine, Pimms and fizz.
The @The-New-Zealand-445872618795978 are serving Tring Ale, Carlsburg, Strongbow, Somersby Fruit, wine and fizz.
DUKES Aylesbury will have a fully stocked bar, with all your favourites

Cuisine Excellence will be serving hog roast, chicken pittas and burgers
Divine Meals UK will be serving Afro-Caribean Foods
Go Greek are serving traditional Greek foods – which are very tasty and healthy.

Most of the stalls will have vegetarian, halal and gluten free choices available too.

The Works will have the very popular ice-cream bike, serving home-made ice-cream
There will also be a soft whip ice-cream van too
Livia’s Sweet Treats will be serving a fantastic range of cupcakes, cookies, brownies and cake slices. With a range of gluten free and vegan options available too.
@SWEET-Dreams-366760693424333 have a wide range of sweets and goodies

If you are in need of a caffeine fix then the guys at The Coffee Stop will sort you out with freshly made coffee, teas and hot chocolate.
If you’d like to beat the fresh coffee queue – we will also have an “instant stall” selling cheap cups of tea / coffee with the proceeds going to the Mayors Charity Carers Bucks

Please do take advantage of all of these amazing local caterers, alternatively you can bring a picnic to the park, including drinks. Please be aware that glass is NOT permitted at Live in the Park, if you bring glass, you will be asked to remove it from site.
Random bag searches will take place as you enter the park to check for glass.

 

SUNDAY COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES

 Strongman in the Park. 12noon – 12:30pm
This is a charity fund raising event organised by Devanney Strength and the Fire Fighters at Aylesbury Fire Station. There will be a variety of “shows of strength”, culminating in a spectacular Fire Truck Pull, by various teams and ultimately by one person!! All raising funds for a local 6 year old boy Zac who has a rare gene deletion syndrome. 
For more information visit the event listing Strongman in the Park
https://www.justgiving.com/Bucksfire-truckpull
https://crowdfunding.justgiving.com/fire-truck-pull

 Church in the Park. 10:30am – 11:45am
Christian Churches from across the town gather together for open-air service of praise to God, to thank Him for all his blessings and to bring prayers for Aylesbury and all its people. The sung worship will be led by a band from the Vineyard Church and the speaker will be James Roberts, pastor of a church in Chorley Wood, who will be inspiring the congregation with an encouraging message.

Banquet in the Park. 12:30pm – 3pm (food served until 2:30pm)
Seating for 300 people under a large marquee, but with plenty of space around for everyone to enjoy a multi-cultural feast of free food. Aylesbury Church Netowrk will be providing a wide variety of cuisines from cultures from around the world, all lovingly provided for you by the churches of our town. They are providing this banquet as a gift to all the community who we invite to share in the abundance of God’s love for all.

 

FAMILY ACTIVITIES, CIA AND MARKET STALLS

At this years Live in the Park – part of Parklife Weekend, you can, once again, ride the traditional fun fair rides FREE of charge – we will have the Helter-Skelter, Chair-O-Planes, Swing Boats and Tea-cup ride. Rides will close at 7pm.

In the CIA – Community Involvement Area you will find – Face painting with Zoomania Aylesbury / help create a community collage and learn circus skills with Queens Park Arts Centre / fun and games with Affinity badminton / solar gazing with UK Astronomy Events / sign language games Tiny TC – Baby and Toddler Sign / colourush sign up for Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity / music lessons from XYZ Music Academy / get active with Everyone Active / drumming maths sessions with HW DRUMS / virtual reality experiences with VIRE / charity prize hoopla with Tesco Aylesbury 2 Community/ outside games and activities with the team from Jonathan Page Play Centre / spinal checks from Corrective Chiropractic Aylesbury / help Men In Sheds make a robot / find out about local treasure with Access to Archaeology / make a lantern for the Festival of Lights with Holy Cow Community / win a prize in the Metro Bank colouring competition / learn to make healthy lifestyle choices with LWSW BUCKS / victim support advice from Thames Valley Police / interactive dance sessions with Castielli school of dance / reading corner with Darren St Mart author of The Lowly Chicken and other children’s stories with more companies confirming closer to the event. Please note that the Community Involvement Area closes at 5pm

This year we have introduced a Market Stall area, we look forward to welcoming Tina’s hand painted homeware, Rocky & KookIn Craft CornerThe Heart Of The Rose- Divine Crystal EssenceHoly Cow HomeDead Universe Comics, Jordans Jewellers and a range of hats and dresses. The stalls are positioned beside the stream to the right of the main stage.

We, Aylesbury Town Council, will also be selling children’s light up toys, bubbles, head garlands and inflatable toys, all under £5 – come at see us at the “Meeting Point” marquee.

 

FOR YOUR COMFORT AND SAFETY ……

Last year over 11,500 people, safely attended Live in the Park – part of Parklife Weekend. Due to the sheer number of people in the park we reminding you of the “rules” to ensure we keep everyone safe and comfortable.

YES to…..
 Sun-shade domes (the type you get for the beach) are permitted (approx 1.2m high max).
Dogs are allowed at the event, as long as they are on a lead, under the control of their owner, not disturbing other visitors at the event and mess is cleared and disposed of appropriately.
You are permitted to bring your own food and drinks into the event.
Bars and catering facilities are available on site.
Smoking is allowed at the event, please be considerate of those around you and dispose of your butts in the bins provided.

NO to …….
Gazebos are not permitted, this is due to potential winds, obstructing views and trip hazards over guy ropes.
Glass is not permitted at Live in the Park. If you bring glass into the park you will be asked to decant the contents into another container.

REMEMBER to……
Be responsible for your children at all times. Identity wrist bands are available at the “Meeting Point” desk.
We also have ear defenders available for you to borrow.
Please be aware that we have photographers on site taking promotional images, should you wish not to appear in any images please inform a member of staff at the “Meeting Point” desk.
♻️Dispose of all rubbish in the bins provided – we’ve got plenty of bin bags on site, we’ll happily give you a bag for all of your rubbish, just ask at the “Meeting Point” desk. No waste disposed of at the event will go to landfill. All waste will be recycled or used to generate power.
We advise you to travel by foot, use public transport or taxis to and from the event.
Town centre car parks are open 24hours a day, charges do apply. More information at https://www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk/map-car-parks-aylesbury

 

STARS IN THE PARK

The first of our announcements is all about Stars in the Park. The amateur experts from UK Astronomy Events will be in the park (behind the main stage) from 10:15pm until 11:30pm for you to marvel and gaze at the night sky. They will have equipment and telescopes available for you use, alongside their extensive knowledge and guidance to learn more about the solar system and wider galaxy in which we live. Numbers will be limited for this event, controlled on the night. Children and vulnerable adults will need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times and anyone who is intoxicated or could cause harm to themselves, others or the equipment will not be permitted to take part.

In addition to the evenings Stars in the Park, UKastronomy will also be part of the CIA (Community Involvement Area) during the day at Live in the Park – part of Parklife Weekend. Here they will have special scopes for you to see the suns powerful spots and flares. This is a rare opportunity to gaze at the sun, so make sure you pop along to see the guys.

For further information about UKAstronomy, please visit their website www.ukastronomy.org or Facebook page www.facebook.com/groups/UKastronomy/about/

 

Pictures and videos 2016 and 2017