West Park still knows how to party, judging by Saturday’s summer celebration.
Concert in the Park followed on from where last year’s Party in the Park left off, with a day of sun-soaked music and family fun.
And organiser, Silk 106.9 DJ Andy Bailey, says despite losing money on this year’s event, he wants to put it back on next year, with more events and for a full day. Despite failing to sell all 5,000 tickets, more than 3,500 people flocked to West Park on Saturday to see a host of tribute acts and local bands.
Andy said: "It went brilliantly and everybody seemed to have a fantastic time, and everyone was really well behaved.
"The weather was probably the best we’ve had for 10 years and dried the grass out, which was a bit of a relief after the rain on Thursday and Friday."
He added: "The acts were all superb and I have to thank Garry and the bands for making the Live and Local stage happen. It was hard work getting it all together and we didn’t break even. But one of my biggest motivations was to put a great night on, full of entertainment, because without it, Macclesfield would be without a big summer event. We’re now looking forward to next year and hope to make the event even bigger and better and to use up more space in the park for an all-day event."
The crowds were treated to five local bands on the Live and Local stage, while the tribute stage featured Lady Gaga, Rat Pack and Abba acts.
Fairground rides were also squeezed into West Park, before a spectacular firework show finished off the evening.
Thousands of new fans were treated to the best up-and-coming bands the borough has to offer at the Macclesfield Express’ Live and Local stage.
Five bands chosen by the Express’s own musical maestro Garry the Hat graced the stage as part of Saturday’s Concert in the Park.
And Garry hopes that as a result, new hordes of fans will be converted to Macclesfield’s blossoming music scene.
He said: "It was fantastic and the bands were just great – they gave some great performances. I don’t know the exact numbers, but there was definitely a four-figure crowd watching the stage."
He added: "Bad Blood were great, youngsters rarely get nervous and the other bands were just as brilliant. The Gracies have gone right up there for me, while Steller were great as usual, and Rough Twist played one of the best shows I have seen them do this year. It was alarmingly good."
Garry, who also introduced the bands on the stage, spent hours sifting through mp3 audio files to choose the final bands to play on the Live and Local stage at West Park.
And now he hopes the town will be full of more local music fans.
He added: "It’s to be hoped that there will be more people supporting music in Macclesfield now. And Silk 106.9 did a fantastic job in putting on the Concert in the Park and I sincerely hope it gets another go next year, particularly if we’re able to get more sponsors behind it."
