Past events

Another great Jazz Picnic! As in previous years, the cool sounds of jazz alternated with the fiddles and accordion of Chris Turner and his merry band of dancers.

Besides listening to the excellent music, local residents could either sit back in the hollow behind the Mushroom House and enjoy the spectacle, or follow Chris who led the dancing with infectious enthusiasm. Most couldn't resist and joined in.
Families and friends sat with their picnics under the shelter of the spreading Chestnut trees to enjoy one of the last real summer days, chatting and listening to the Woodside Park All-Stars led by Max Wynter through their repertoire of jazz favourites.
A highlight of the afternoon was the planting of a tree, serenaded by a song and ritual tree-planting dance!

This wonderful low budget event organised by and for local residents under the aegis of the Friends of Woodside Park, and with help from the council, is now in its fourth year, and is proving ever popular with the local community and beyond.

Friends of Woodside Park spokesperson, Michael Cordwell James said: ‘We’re already talking about doing another picnic next year: it’s wonderful to see and hear so much local talent, and to see so many people enjoying their park.

It’s especially nice to see so many people from all generations getting up and joining in with the country dancing!’
One local resident hurried home and returned with copies of her pictures for our website.