Park event not affected by travellers' arrival

Josh Boardman, 11 from Chorley at the Ribbleton Park It event

Ribbleton Park hosted the first of this month’s Park It events, with families from across the city heading to the site.

The event was moved across the park as travellers pitched up on one side last week, but organisers said it had no effect on the fun.

Jess Clegg, sport development officer with Preston Council, said Park It was led by different organisations from across the city.

Anthony Smith, five from Ribbleton at the Ribbleton Park It event

She said: “We usually have four Park Its, but this time we are having two big ones.

“The other one is at Fulwood Leisure Centre next Friday.

“We’ve got a Streetwise Forum made up of different partners, and we all came together to deliver various activities targeting anti-social behaviour and reducing it on the park.

“That’s why we do it on the park, from 5pm to 8pm.”

Mary Johnson, outreach worker with Patrycja Dziwisiwski, four, Marcin Dziwisiwski, six and Lola Munro, five planting flowers they can take home at the Ribbleton Park It event

The event included bubble football, a climbing tower, bouncy castles and slides, as well as arts and crafts sessions and face painting.

Jess said there was also a Total Wipeout machine new this year, and said: “There are four podiums and a machine in the middle that spins around, and you’ve got toduck under it or jump.

“I don’t think it’s ever been done at a Park It.”

She said people in the area had been “mega excited” before the event took place. Preston’s Got Talent also took place from a stage in the park.

Jess said: “If you ask anybody in Preston they all know about Park It, and it’s a well-anticipated event.”