The Best Guide for the Neston Area

Parkgate Summer Pops is a Huge Hit

It was a day that saw families and friends come together to enjoy a plethora of entertainment, refreshment and fun.  Even the sun turned up!

 Photo by Bernard Rose

Parkgate Summer Pops took place at Neston Cricket Club in the Sunday slot of Marquee Week. Organised by promoter and Radio City DJ Pez Tellett, the event aimed to give everyone a day to remember, but also to raise funds for Neston Community Youth Centre, whose volunteers were out in force to help everything go smoothly.

Thousands attended, with their arrival safely stewarded by volunteers from NCYC. Photo by Bernard Rose

There was a real sense of fun in the air, with the changing demographics of the crowds in front of the main stage giving a hint of the range of acts performing.   Mr Bloom from CBeebies and his talking veggies entertained the 'tiddlers' as he calls them, and fairytale princes and princesses brought a touch of glamour.  Current music fans enjoyed the talents of local acts Marc Kenny and Insanity Beach, before 'Robbie Williams' (AKA Tony) took to the stage.  Headlining, and very much for the benefit of those of us around in the 70s and 80s, were the magnificent Odyssey.

The hits came thick and fast, from "Native New Yorker' to "Use it Up and Wear It Out," these guys definitely know how to put on a show.

Odyssey and Pete Price with Cllr Louise Gittins and her treasured 12" disc, now signed by the band. Photo by Rob Clive

Enjoying them perhaps more than most was local Councillor, and Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council, Louise Gittins.  On her 18th birthday, Louise went to a Birkenhead nightclub where the DJ that night, as on the day of Parkgate Summer Pops, was one Pete Price.  To mark that occasion he gave Louise a 12" copy of Native New Yorker by Odyssey, which she brought with her to Sunday's event.  Louise was delighted to be reunited with Pete and to have the band sign the very same disc for her.

Over in the Marquee, Hip & Harmony CIC's Paula Prytherch had organised a second stage, with entertainment from the organisation's own Street Dancers, 64 N'Ukes, Music Zone and Community Choir, along with Little Actors Theatre Company and local music acts. 

As always at these Marquee events, the Neston Cricket Club team worked hard - bar staff in particular were kept very busy by a thirsty crowd on one of the warmest days of the summer.  Other team members enjoyed the day, letting their hair down after a busy week that included the Sports Lunch, Parkgate Proms and the annual Ball.

Mr Bloom was massively popular with the 'tiddlers.' Photo by Rob Clive

Whenever we report on these local events we are fortunate that local photographers are so generous with their contributions.  Especially so with this event, as the talents of Bernard Rose and Rob Clive truly capture the fun and exuberance of the day, so our very grateful thanks to them both.

We'll leave you to enjoy the gallery, with one final note of thanks to the organisers and volunteers for yet another superb local, community event.  

Photo Gallery

Pete Price and Odyssey pictured with Neston Cricket Club President Antony Bush (3rd from the left) and Summer Pops organiser Pez Tellet (2nd from the right). Photo by Rob Clive

Photo by Bernard Rose

Photo by Bernard Rose

Photo by Bernard Rose

MC for the day, Pete Price. Photo by Bernard Rose

Photo by Rob Clive

Photo by Bernard Rose

Photo by Bernard Rose

Photo by Rob Clive

Photo by Bernard Rose

Photo by Bernard Rose

Tranmere's play-off trophy proved to be a popular draw for some. Photo by Rob Clive

Photo by Rob Clive

Photo by Rob Clive

Photo by Rob Clive

Photo by Rob Clive

Photo by Rob Clive

Photo by Rob Clive

Photo by Rob Clive

Photo by Rob Clive

Photo by Rob Clive

Photo by Rob Clive

Photo by Rob Clive

Photo by Rob Clive

Photo by Rob Clive

Photo by Rob Clive

Photo by Rob Clive

Photo by Rob Clive

Photo by Rob Clive

Photo by Rob Clive

Photo by Rob Clive

Photo by Rob Clive

Photo by Rob Clive

Photo by Bernard Rose

Photo by Bernard Rose

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Comments

SMA

At 19:54 on 30th July 2019, SMA commented:

Great day out I guess but an absolute nightmare as regards traffic. People didn't seem to know where to park and it was chaos. Police 'no parking' cones were just being discarded. If it is to be done again which I hope it does, please make sure parking is indicated on the flyers and that the parking is properly policed.

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