11th May 2002, 12noon - 6pm

Lenton Recreation Ground
(between Derby Road and Church Street)

This year’s Lenton and Dunkirk Community Festival was held on Saturday May 11th. The afternoon proved to be warm and sunny, and many local residents made their way onto Lenton Recreation Ground.

Proceedings were officially opened at midday by Mrs. Vera Topley, the longest - standing member of the Lenton Day Centre at Thomas Helwys Church, now run by Lenton Care Link. She was presented with flowers after cutting the ribbon to open the festival.

This year’s Festival built on last year’s success, and offered more activities. The addition of a marquee housing Cafe Lenton meant that visitors to the festival could enjoy a pot of tea either in the shade, or make the most of the afternoon sunshine and relax outside.  A beer tent also offered alcoholic alternatives!

Other refreshments were available across the road in Unity House, where there was also an exhibition of children’s stories and paintings of Lenton which had been organised by Rev. Cynthia Park. Lenton Local History Society provided an exhibition in Holy Trinity Church, including a vast display of photographs showing Lenton and Dunkirk in days gone by.

The youngsters’ entertainment included a tent run by members of Holy Trinity Church, offering Face Painting, Car Racing and other activities, plus a Bouncy Castle.

The Monty Hinds club provided Cricket and Football games, there was sponge throwing at people in the stocks, and Sumo Wrestling matches.

Many local community groups had stalls, with Lenton Community Shop’s plate smashing going down particularly well. As if that wasn’t enough to keep everyone occupied, there was also a video showing pictures of different areas of Lenton and members of the University of Nottingham Juggling Society were roving the field. Entertainment was provided by the Ellenismos Greek Dancing Group, and three student bands which drew a lot of local students.

Many thanks to Nottingham City Council for use of the venue, to Area 7 for funding and to all the businesses who contributed tombola and raffle prizes. Well done to everyone who contributed such a lot of time and effort to make the afternoon such a huge success. Please let us know if you would like to be involved in planning next year’s event.