Bolton's historic Hulton Park is set to open its gates to the public for a series of events in the coming months. Two garden parties will be held at the site in the first weekend of September (September 3 and 4) directly inspired by one hosted by the Hulton family in 1905.
There will be live music from the Wingates Brass Band, along with activities such as tug of war, quoits, and an egg and spoon race - all events which were part of the garden party 117 years ago - as well as maypole dancing and disco yoga. Coronation Street stars Colson Smith, Jack P Shepherd and Ben Price will also record a live episode of their popular 'Sofa Cinema Club' podcast, prior to an outdoor cinema screening, at the end of the second evening.
Parts of the historic estate, including the pleasure grounds, the historic walled kitchen garden and the 'serpentine lake', would be restored part of landowners Peel L&P's £200 million vision for the site. There are also plans for 1,036 homes, a luxury hotel, and a championship golf course, which has been shortlisted as part of the UK's Ryder Cup bid, despite not yet being built.
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The proposals were rejected by Bolton Council earlier this year, with an appeal date set for October 6. Despite the plans attracting the ire of some members of the local community, 'Hulton Park Happenings' project manager Emma Green hopes that the events will 're-connect the community with the estate'.
She said: "Hulton Park Happenings is a celebration of place, culture and having fun. Hulton Park has such a fascinating history and by delving into local historical records and using the expert knowledge of our Peel Group archivist, we have established a detailed picture of the Hulton family and the estate, which we have used to inspire our thinking and creativity for our Hulton Park Happenings event series.
"It is important we celebrate and learn from local history but also make our happenings as fun and inclusive for our new neighbours as possible. We hope these events will re-connect the community with the estate, which has been closed to them for many decades. With such a vibrant and diverse line up of activities and partnerships, there will be something for everyone. It really is all happening at Hulton Park.”
The garden parties will be family friendly and there will also be a space called PlayFest - described as 'kids play meets micro festival'. It is being run in collaboration with community and family space curator Parentfolk.
Parentfolk founder Nic Spindler added: ‘We’re delighted to be teaming up with Peel L&P for an exciting weekend of culture, heritage, and family cool at the Hulton Park Happenings Garden Party. Having visited this beautiful and historical location, we’re looking forward to being part of this community focused inclusive weekend, and we have had so much fun planning our signature PlayFest social space for families.
“Our event spaces always focus on opportunities for families to make memories together so expect some kids vs parents games, family style silent disco adventures, vibrant craft workshops, bake space, face art and glitter bar, plus comedy performances, storytelling, and lots of great music. We’re bringing some ParentFolk pals along with us too, so there’ll be fun activations from brands such as Harvey Nichols Kids too. We’re looking forward to this special Garden Party Weekend at Hulton Park Happenings, and can’t wait to bring an engaging line up for kids and their grown-ups."
For more information about the event and to buy tickets, visit the Hulton Park Happenings website.
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