Queen’s Park Goes Back to Future

Reporter: Jan Harwood
Date online: 19/06/2006

Queen’s Park, Heywood celebrated its re-opening with a 'Back to the Future' Festival over the weekend, 17 and 18 June. All week a posse of gardeners were preparing for the big weekend of celebrations and by Saturday morning the fountain was flowing and the gardens were in full bloom, ready for a mass of people to enjoy a full two days of events including live music and entertainment from local groups.

Musical entertainment was the order of the day on Saturday with the new Open Air Theatre being fully utilised by local rock bands and primary school children alike. The Fusiliers Association (Lancashire) Band kicked things off before the park was officially opened by Rochdale Major Councillor Jean Hornby and other honoured guests.

Hundreds gathered on the lawn in front of the theatre to enjoy a Buddy Holly Medley by St Michael’s CE Primary School choir and the crowds were kept entertained right up to 8pm by children from All Soul’s Primary, Mossfield School and St Luke’s Primary. Elsewhere in the park younger visitors cold enjoy a traditional Punch amp; Judy show and on the Sunday, children wondered the grounds as they took part in a "Little Monkeys Treasure Hunt.’ The weekend was brought to close on Sunday evening by local cover band New Generation.