Bumper crowds turn out as Belleisle celebrates the second annual Parklife
Around 3,500 people from across South Ayrshire descended on Belleisle Park (Sat 21 July) for the second annual free family Parklife event (Sat 21 July).
The figures are 40% up on last year when 2,500 braved the rain, marking continued success for the estate which has been enjoying a renaissance in recent years.
Parklife celebrates a South Ayrshire Council and Heritage Lottery Fund project, which is being run in partnership with Friends of Belleisle and Belleisle Conservatory Ltd. In the last four years, visits to Belleisle have doubled to 200,000 a year as more people come to see the attractions on offer.
With its history dating back to the 18th century, a comprehensive £3.7 million programme to restore Belleisle Estate got underway in 2014. The latest project underway is transforming the old stables into a visitor hub that will act as an anchor spot for the park in the years to come.
Events on offer this year included a climbing wall; bouncy castle; live performances from the FiB Youth Theatre, Luca Grant, Becca, Rigid Soul and Cameron J Smith; and a Youth Express Bus offering children and young people access to a range of equipment including the latest video games.
To help families travel easily to the event, free buses ran from Ayr throughout the day.
Ian Cochrane, South Ayrshire Council’s Portfolio Holder for Sustainability and the Environment said it was great to see so many people voting with their feet, “We’re committed to making the most of our environment and making the most of our environment by holding events that are accessible to all.
“Belleisle has benefited from a significant period of investment and with attendance having doubled in recent years it’s great to see that momentum maintained in events like Parklife.
“I’d like to thank everyone for coming along and showing their support for this fantastic day out and to all those who worked to make it happen – together we’re helping to put Belleisle back on the map as a firm family favourite.”