Friends of Stanningley Park brings community together for a perfect day at the park

“Fun activities for the kids, plenty of laughter and a real sense of community coming together. The best part is that it was right on our doorstep!”

This July, the Friends of Stanningley Park’s ‘Picnic in the Park’ event was a wonderful celebration of community spirit, bringing together over 250 local residents of all ages for an afternoon of accessible and affordable fun in the park. Despite a rainy start, the skies cleared, and the day was filled with laughter, music, and smiles all around.

Visitors enjoyed delicious homemade cakes and drinks from the tea tent, and a sizzling BBQ hosted by Stanningley Bowling Club, who also offered crown green bowling taster sessions. Families explored a wide range of free activities, from junior football with Your Back Yard & Health for All, to creative crafts with Kirkstall Valley Development Trust and nature play with Forest School with Harriet, where children made seed bombs, lemonade, and even nature-inspired headwear.

Educational highlights included fascinating stalls from the Leeds Beekeepers Association and Prickle Patch Hedgehog Rescue, raising awareness about protecting local wildlife. The park came alive with live music from The Bandstanders and Tutti! Concert Band, who had the crowd dancing, singing, and smiling throughout the afternoon.

With help from dedicated volunteers, local groups, and businesses, the event ran smoothly and left the park spotless. Keeping things simple, welcoming, and affordable proved to be the perfect recipe for success, a true reminder of how our parks can bring people together to celebrate nature, community, and local pride.

“A well crafted event, simplistic in nature but tapped into the elements that make people happy”

“It’s great to see the space being used in a positive way… Things like this can only happen when people volunteer or lend their support”

This activity was made possible by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and with thanks to National Lottery Players. This activity was also generously supported by the Mayor of West Yorkshire’s Safer Communities Fund.