We do like to be beside the “seaside”…

The seaside was brought to the East End on 2nd August as thousands of revellers enjoyed Victoria Park’s “A Great Day Out” event. Organised by Tower Hamlets Council as part of the Sports and Play Festival, the event marked the end of a series of celebrations promoting the boroughs’ parks for national Love Parks Week.

The borough’s flagship park attracted over 6,000 visitors as it was transformed into a bustling seaside which included a giant slide, Victorian carousel, Punch and Judy, stilt walkers and donkey rides. Young people also had the chance to create a village made entirely out of cardboard, while their family helped decorate and recreate popular London features.

Angus May has been closely following the sports and play festival. Angus said: “So far ‘A Great Day Out’ has been the best event as there were so many things to do for everyone. It was a nice and safe environment where the kids could play and I could relax with other parents.” Angus’s daughter, seven-year-old Chloe, added: “I really liked going on the slide. I had a really good time and I also made my own smoothie which was delicious.”

Children and adults alike had a whale of a time eating ice cream and candy floss and trying their hand at traditional games such as the coconut shy and fun sporting games while brass bands, choirs and musicians organised by Victoria Park Friends Group, sent music drifting through the air.

Mayor of Tower Hamlets Lutfur Rahman said: “Every year we put on a variety of family friendly events across our parks which have been growing in popularity amongst our residents. I’m pleased the event had a fantastic turnout.”

Cabinet Member for Culture, Cllr Shafiqul Haque, said: “This year’s event saw a huge increase in the number of visitors taking part. The fun fairground attractions and donkey rides added to the atmosphere making it a fantastic day out.”

When the Victoria Park was first opened in 1845, it was used as place of recreation by the Victorians to relax and spend quality time away from the grind of working life. The Park retains this role today. The showers held off and the free family fun day benefited from a bright sunny day adding to the holiday atmosphere. It was truly a great day out!

The sports and play festival continues throughout August. Don’t miss A Day By the Sea on 20th August and Sporting Carnival on 30th August.

•To find out more about free events over the summer visit www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/sports or call 020-7364 2437.