Express & Star

Stafford's Q in the Park festival is another success

Q in the Park celebrated another successful weekend of music and arts with more than 2,500 people attending.

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Singer songwriters Stuart Woolfenden and Emily Lockett chat before they hit the stage

It took place the same weekend as V Festival but this did not cast a shadow over the event which was first launched 2011.

It was originally set up to provide entertainment and improve safety for festival goers’ coming from all over the UK stepping off the trains in Stafford and waiting for National Express transport to the V Festival at Weston Park.

In the line-up was Staffordshire Corps of Drums and other musical performances including young performer Jay Hussein from Stone along with The Blue Hounds. Crowds could also enjoy the likes of Sundance School of Dance, Stafford Jets Cheerleaders and Stafford Brigade Marching band.

Award-winning town crier Peter Taunton also attended for the celebrations and opened the event which is hosted by 107.3 Stafford FM.

Lorraine Conkey, Stafford, organiser of the event, said: "It was fantastic. Even the weather on Saturday didn't deter people from coming.

"It was a great atmosphere with everyone smiling and the artists were amazing. It was from as young as eight-year-olds performing to experienced bands. People came from Stoke, Lichfield and all over the county which is great. It is run by myself and volunteers just for the fun of it and we have already started planning for next year."

Next year there will be a Medieval theme as they will be commemorating Lady of Mericans Aethelflaed death in 918. She was the daughter of Alfred the Great and kept the Vikings from coming into the heart of the country.

It was free to attend and there was a variety of food vans including burgers, pizzas, coffees along with smoothies along with vegan and vegetarian options as well.

There was a host of events for all the family to enjoy including a rodeo, bungee, bouncy castle, go karts and birds of prey. There was also an assault course, a VR slingshot competition and a toddlers ball pit.

Over the past six years the money raised has gone to several different charities including Oxjam- the Oxfam Music festival. This year all donations went to Staffordshire Women's Aid and Help for Heroes.

Previously the festival had been nominated for four UK Festival Awards over 2012 & 2013.

Any re-enactment and workshops have been advised to contact lorraine@lrpartnership.co.uk