News release 23 June 2008

Whatever the weather, this year's Festival of Leisure at Maurice Lea Memorial Park in Church Gresley is focusing on helping local people become healthier. The Festival of Leisure starts at 1.00 pm until 5.00 pm on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 June, 2008. And it's all free.

Says Cllr John Lemmon, Chairman of Housing and Community Services Committee, "In our Corporate Plan we are committed to making South Derbyshire a healthier place to live. At the Festival of Leisure we will be showing how getting fit and eating good food can be fun."

To celebrate the year of the Beijing Olympics there will a Mini-Olympic challenge for the young and the young at heart. You can take part in a long jump, sprint, basketball, golf, cricket bowling, tennis target, football keepie-uppies and hockey beat the goalie.

At the end of the competition you can make your own medal. There will also be a rowing challenge but not on the ornamental pond. And you can go on a Nordic walking trek around the park or if you feel a bit more sedate, take part in a tai chi taster session.

Cllr Lemmon continues, "Couch potatoes are not forgotten. They won't be allowed to slump in a sofa if they want to play an electronic game. We've got games which only work if you put some power in yourself by stepping up and down on fitness equipment. There’s also a virtual cybercoach for people who want their personal electronic trainer."

We'll be pushing exercise and offering healthy eating as a taster.

Says Cllr Lemmon, "As a healthy alternative to popcorn and hot dogs, we've some wonderful free fruit kebabs on offer. There will also be some tomato plants you can put in a pot and take home to grow your own salad. And we will be working with Derbyshire County Primary Care Trust to put people off smoking by using the latest technology to show the effect of fags on your face."

The traditional fun of the Festival of Leisure is at Maurice Lea Memorial Park for everyone to enjoy. It will be a showcase for professional and amateur entertainers with displays of American Football, dance and even dogs. Jeannie and Clivo will be clowning around. Punch will be showing everyone the way to do it.

The James Dylan's Stuntworld Motorcycle Stunt Show will give breath-taking displays as well as comedy thrills and spills, and also Bozo & Zizi will be up to some comedy antics with their temperamental Freddy the Fire Engine.

Music comes from DEA Bhangra Band, soul singer Collette, Anastasha, The Newhall Band, Gresley Youth Band and Gresley Colliery Band. The Nadia Jane School of Dance will be showing the latest moves. Long Eaton Millitairies will be on the march.

As well as entertaining you, there’s a chance to learn more about the world. South Derbyshire's Environmental Education project will be there with animal mask-making activities, tree themed quizzes and lots of local environmental facts. People Express will be providing exhibitions and free practical arts workshops. There will be a craft marquee and a variety of stalls.

Cllr Lemmon concludes, "This year we’re hoping to make the weekend even more fun for local people. And we'll have staff out and about at the Festival of Leisure seeing what people enjoyed and asking for suggestions about how we can add to this annual event."