The annual Party In The Park is returning to Browney's Addison Park on August 1, 2026, offering a free day out for families. Organisers expect over 1,000 attendees to enjoy the festivities, which are made possible by a £500 grant from the Banks Group, a local employer based in Meadowfield. The funding ensures the event remains accessible to the entire community.
Event Highlights and Activities
Visitors can look forward to a craft tent, a bouncy castle, archery, giant garden games, face painting, and henna art. A dedicated kids' play area will be available, alongside a variety of local food vans and concessions. The event first started in 2016 and has grown each year, becoming a summer highlight for residents of Browney, Meadowfield, and Brandon.
Community and Volunteer Involvement
The celebration also highlights the work of dedicated volunteers who maintain the park year-round. Several local groups will join the fun, including Move County Durham, which uses the park for its 'Couch To 5K' running sessions and health activities. Brandon & Carrside Youth Club and the Durham Prostate Cancer group will also be present. Volunteers will conduct litter picks before and after the event to keep the park beautiful.
Jackie Waggott, secretary of the Friends of Addison Park, said: "The Party In The Park is a brilliant family event with lots of things for people of all ages to enjoy and we’re already counting down to this year’s big day. It’s the highlight of the year for the Friends, and gives us the chance to show local people the impact that the work we do through the year has on this important community facility. We try to make the Party as inclusive and accessible as we can, so that everyone can enjoy a day out without worrying about the cost and gets the chance to make some new connections across our community. Without the funding we’ve had from the Banks Group and our other supporters, the Party simply wouldn’t be happening and we’re really grateful for their continuing help in making Addison Park the best possible community facility it can be."
Banks Group Support
The Banks Group, based in Meadowfield, has supported the park volunteers with various projects over the years, including funding for new equipment and landscaping work. Kate Culverhouse from the Banks Group said: "The Friends group is absolutely committed to keeping Addison Park in the best possible condition and to providing a welcoming venue for this brilliant annual event. We’re very glad to be extending our support for the Friends’ invaluable work and hope as many local people as possible get to enjoy a fun, sunny Saturday in the park next month."
The community funds are independently managed by Point North. Local groups near a Banks Group project can apply for similar funding through the company website. The event is free and takes place at Addison Park on Browney Lane.
