Bubble It

A Beeston based estate agents called CP Walker, is currently celebrating its 120th anniversary. So to commemorate this, the owners decided to partly sponsor an event at Broadgate Park yesterday called 'Party in the Park'.

It was similar to the carnival event a couple of months ago, with various stalls and music. And lasted all afternoon, and was well attended. The weather was lovely and sunny too. Perfect for any outdoor event.

One entertainer that caught my eye was 'The Big Bubble Man'. As his name infers, he creates bubbles with soapy water. But not just any bubbles. Giant ones, or hundreds of little ones at a time, through a giant piece of special string on two very long poles, which he dipped in a large bowl of soapy liquid and then life the poles into the air, and all these bubbles then appeared.

The children loved it, aid I watched them running around and trying to catch them. But of course they couldn't. And if they did, they would just pop, and a small shower of soapy water would fall to the ground.  There was also the opportunity of people having a go themselves. But on a much smaller scale.

Sweet Dreams

It's been a fairly horrible damp day, made worse by several showers this afternoon.

So sadly this had an effect on the audience that attended the switching on of the Christmas lights in Beeston.

I popped down earlier, as there was a couple of bands on, including the dynamic duo of Emma Bladon-Jones and Christine Palethope appearing as Paper Doves.

The lights themselves were the same as last year, so I was looking for something new to shoot. Whilst walking around Broadgate Park after the lights had been switched on, I noticed that the stall that was selling sweets had some packets hanging like decorations, and behind are some of the bokehed lights on the Christmas tree.

Land Ahoy

Here's a happy looking pirate, one that's around twelve foot tall.

Don't worry, Beeston isn't being invaded by Blackbeard and his gang, it's all part of the Beeston Bay community day.

Besides Cut-throat Jake, there were a number of stalls, both trade and charity, a music stage and of course a beach.

It has been lovely and sunny and lots of people have attended the event at Broadgate Park, and I think have had a whale of a time.

Love Cake, Love Beeston

All these delicious cream cakes were handed out to people who visited the Picnic in the Park today at Broadgate Park.

It was quite well attended with a face painting stall, story telling and a juggler on offer to entertain people. But of course it was the cakes that drew the most interest, created by a local bakery opposite the park.

Peek-a-Bo

While I was sitting and listening to one of my favourite local singers Emma Bladon Jones, who was doing a gig at the Beeston Bay on Saturday afternoon, this mother and her young son sat down in front of me.

The little boy kept quite still, but kept peering over his mother's shoulder. As I had my camera handy; I had just taken some photos of Emma, I took a couple of shots, which this one I like the best.

Sun, Sand And Stripes

This week Beeston has had it's very own seaside called Beeston Bay, as the council has turned Broadgate Park into a costal resort.

It's been great for the kids, with sand, games, entertainment and stories to keep them amused during the present holiday season.

Today Beeston Bay has become Party in the Park, with live bands, fairground rides and water boats. There has also been a giant mermaid walking around and squirting people with bubbles. It's been lovely and sunny too.

It's a shame that the event has only been on for the week, as it has given the children and parents something to do, and without having to spend bus fare on going to the one in the Old Market Square.

Hope

This is the statue called Hope, and is a memorial to all those that died in the Boer War.

It used to be sited at the other end of Beeston, before being relocated to Broadgate Park. It was resited in the park a few years ago when it was redesigned and the council wanted to open up the main entrance from the High Road.

Dragon Dance

I know that I said that I wouldn't be putting any Chinese New Year photos on, but I couldn't resist showing you this one.

As you can see it is of some dragon dancers making their way to Broadgate Park along the High Road in Beeston. The dancers belong to the university's Chinese students & scholars group, and they were on their way to entertain the crowd.

When I took this photo, they were waiting for the traffic lights to change, and by a happy accident, they were standing outside the Dancing Dragon Chinese Restaurant!

Peek-a-Boo

This morning Beeston celebrated the Chinese New Year, which this year's animal is the horse.

It is also the first time that it has been staged at Broadgate Park, as usually it takes place in the Square. But with the ongoing tram works, and now they have started updating the shopfronts there, it has become a bit of a no go zone for people.

It was nice that the sun decided to make a rare appearance too, as it has rained on an off all week. But it  was a bit breezy and cold.

There was the usual mixture of music and dancing. It does seem to be the same every year for some reason. So instead of showing you something similar to last February, here's a shot of a Asian baby all wrapped up against the cold.

Pick Up A Penguin Or Two!

First Nottingham city centre had their Christmas lights switched on on Wednesday, so today it's Beeston's turn. The button was switched on at around 6pm.

The location has changed this year, as usually it is in the Square, but with all the tram works and devastation in the area, the celebrations have been moved to Broadgate Park.

In the mean time there were a few things to do and see in the park. One of the main attractions were some Humboldt penguins from a wildlife sanctuary.

The penguins real home is South America, so I don't think they minded the cold Beeston weather. They were attracting quite a bit of interest from the passers by; especially the children.

There were a few signs around saying don't stick your fingers in the enclosure, otherwise they might get bitten!

Carnival Capers

A glorious hot and sunny day today, as Beeston celebrates with it's yearly carnival.

It started in the morning with an exercise demonstration, some singing and a fashion show. Then at 1pm, the parade started from the Town Hall to Broadgate Park.

As the route is pedestrianised there were sadly no floats, only people walking in groups from different organisations, like this 'royal party' from a local nursing home.

Although there are no floats, for some reason they do allow the annual fire engine pull, so I'm sure they could allow a few decorated flatbeds along the High Road.

When everyone reached Broadgate Park, the festivities began with some bands, a music workshop that was organised by Oxfam, a few classic cars and some demonstrations. There were of course the usual bric a brac, food and information stalls. I had had a look in the morning and picked up a DVD I wanted for £1. So I was a happy man. Just need to get around to watching it now.

I entered the 'name this bear' competition with Bertie. I wonder if I will win. He's a cute little fellow, and so would look great on my desk.

There were several music acts on in the afternoon. And all were very good. I was very pleased to see Emma Bladon-Jones do a set for about half an hour. Emma said that she had just got back from Derby, where she had done two gigs and some busking. Emma also mentioned that she was playing at a local pub later tonight. So guess where Gail and I will be going later on!

A Charity Record

A little summertime music tonight, on this, the longest day of the year,  to raise money for Oxfam.

Oxjam came to Beeston today and sadly I missed some of the acts, as I had to work, but I was lucky to arrive in time to see the ever talented Emma Bladon-Jones again. This time in the open air.

Broadgate Park, is a small open space very close to the High Road. So you can do your shopping and then sit and look at the trees, the grass and a statue of Queen Victoria. And possibly enjoy an ice cream from one of the local cafes, whilst listening to the birds tweeting away.

I also managed to watch the tail end of Ed Hope's gig, who incidentally was very good as well.

Oh how I wish sometimes that I could understand music. But I don't, so I guess I'll have to keep to photography as my creative output.

No Red Nose

Another Christmas related photo today, as it's getting nearer and nearer.

This is a real reindeer, but alas it's not Rudolph, or Blitzen for that matter.

I never got to know his name, but there were quite a lot of people queuing up to meet him and his cousin, who were visiting Broadgate Park.

I guess he is wearing a bell because his horn's don't work. Sorry, couldn't resist an old cracker joke!