ARCHIVED news story
Children in wonderland as record numbers flock to council summer events
Released on 01 September 2008
There is no doubt that with more people opting to holiday here, our fun and free events proved not just exciting but cost effective for families who are really starting to feel the pinch
Councillor Michelle Monck
Staff at South Norfolk Council are celebrating after a spectacular run of summer events smashed all its records for public attendance.
Almost 2,700 children and adults attended key council-organised events in August.
More than 750 children, their parents and carers packed the launch of a new Play Trail at Dunston Common last Friday - way above expectations.
Staff had to give up counting at 750 to focus on making the day the success it was.
The council had commissioned a sculptural play trail to stimulate children, which included interactive pieces such as a giant marimba musical instrument, log drums and a fairytale tower designed by artist Jony Easterby and inspired by the chimneys of Dunston Hall.
Jony is best known locally for his design of the Lizard Tower on the Tiffey Valley Trail at Wymondham.
They threw a picnic party followed by games and ended with a magical performance of Alice in Wonderland by Pendle Productions.
Councillor Michelle Monck, Cabinet Member for Tourism, Heritage, Enterprise, Culture and Customer Focus, who brought along her own children to some of the events, said:
"This has been a record-breaking summer of events, and the best we have ever organised.
"Staff did a magnificent job and I want to thank all the children, their mums, dads and carers for coming along. We hope they enjoyed it as much as we did!
"There is also no doubt that with more people opting to holiday here, our fun and free events proved not just exciting but cost effective for families who are really starting to feel the pinch.
"I'm proud of what we have achieved for them, and hope we helped make these Norfolk holidays special and memorable for the hundreds of children who came along."
The events began in Hingham in early August with a celebration of National Play Day, and the launch of the council's play project, attended by 297 people.
Caistor Roman Day attracted 271 people.
The series of six Outdoor Theatre events around the district were enjoyed by 973 children and their carers.
And the Forest Quest events at Whitlingham Country Park pulled in 1,132.
That brings the numbers to a record breaking 2,673 and counting.
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