A ‘Ministry of Silly Walks’ competition is the highlight of a summer Walking Festival launched at Wicksteed Park, the home of children’s play.

Visitors to the popular Northamptonshire attraction will be able to give their own version of the legendary Monty Python sketch, first aired in 1970 on Monty Python’s Flying Circus.

Taking place on August 15, entrants will be recorded putting on their silliest walk over a 100m course, before a panel of judges review the videos and award a prize to the winner later in the day.

The Walking Festival is part of Wicksteed Park’s work with the Heritage Lottery Fund, aimed at building closer links with the community and allowing people to better enjoy the park’s many features.

The competition is part of a fantastic line-up of walking and outdoor events being hosted throughout the summer at the famous attraction, which was the first park of its kind in the UK, as founder Charles Wicksteed offered children and families the chance to play and enjoy the outdoor life together.

A series of walks catering for a variety of interests and people of all ages and abilities are planned. They include:

· A chance to discover the diverse bird life present in the park, followed by a walk on June 30 looking at the myriad of butterflies, dragonflies and damselflies that inhabit the park during the summer.

· Walks around the lake, beginning with a warm-up based on the Japanese martial art of Aikido, featuring light stretching and breathing exercises. These will take place on August 2, August 23 and September 7.

· A special “The Railway Children” themed walk on September 7, featuring a walk and free ride on Wicksteed’s popular narrow gauge railway. Guests are encouraged to attend the event in Victorian fancy dress.

Further events include a guided tour taking in Wicksteed Park’s sporting heritage, a night-time torchlight walk and a sponsored charity walk.

The events are being organised by Charlotte Widgery, Wicksteed Park’s Community Links Manager.

Charlotte explained: “We hope that this competition will provide a great opportunity for people to come along and get involved with activities here at the park.

“We are really looking forward to seeing what silly walks make an appearance.”

Longer walks providing communal exercise in beautiful surroundings will also take place monthly.

Charlotte added: “Walking is fantastic exercise and Wicksteed Park provides the perfect setting for a stroll or longer walk.

“We are really excited to offer a series of events that cater for all ages and levels of fitness and that should get the whole community enjoying our great outdoors.

“These walks will provide an ideal way for guests to explore Wicksteed Park’s rich heritage, as well as the diverse wildlife and picturesque grounds we have here.

“Many of the walks are also designed to provide a break from the hectic lives that we all lead and to give people the chance to relax and unwind.”

First opened in 1921 by Charles Wicksteed, who invented the modern day slide and swing, Wicksteed Park features 147 acres of park land, including Europe’s largest free play area and a beautiful lake.

The majority of events at the Wicksteed Walking Festival will be free, with some requiring booking in advance. For further details please visit http://www.wicksteedpark.co.uk/wicksteedwanders.aspx.

-Ends-

For further information please contact:
Andrew Turner
Tel: 01253 600800
Email: andrew@gdrpr.co.uk