Out in force for Lark in the Park

FAMILIES were out in force to enjoy the spirit of the old Uttoxeter carnival in the best attended Lark in the Park to date.

Arena shows, a parade and vintage displays were just some of the attractions which saw people from across the town flock to Bramshall Road Park as the Uttoxeter Lions and East Staffordshire Borough Council joined forces for the event.

Attractions included donkey rides, jousting, a climbing wall, balloon modelling, football shoot-out, bouncy castle, farm animals, a ferris wheel, children’s roundabouts and a duck race.

Topping the bill was a unique father and daughter strongman act, Amanda and Tony Brutus, who performed amazing feats of strength with plenty of audience involvement.

Uttoxeter town band also performed. There were shows by the Uttoxeter Dance Studio and Dave Chown’s vintage fire fighting display.

Uttoxeter Lions spokesman Gary Hudson said: “It was the best attended yet with thousands of people going through the gates.

“We had a steady stream of people attending and they seemed to stay for a long time. The charity stalls did really well, one said they made £700 on the day.

“Everybody I spoke to said they had a good time.

“It was the first time we had a parade and it is certainly something we would like to do again as it took the event into the town centre.

“It is difficult to say which was the most popular attraction. Dave Chown’s vintage fire fighting display in the arena saw a stunt mock fire where after it was safe the children were able to help which was popular.

“The strongman team which saw a woman pull the chariot carrying members of the audience also went down well.”