Tickets now on sale for Party in the Park in Ashley Cross (From Bournemouth Echo)

Tickets now on sale for Party in the Park in Ashley Cross

2:00pm Saturday 23rd June 2012 in News By Jim Durkin

PARTY in the Park festival organisers held an official launch at Ashley Cross’ stone circle on the eve of the Summer Solstice.

Tickets for the popular Poole event, which will be ringed by a security fence for the first time in its history this year, went on sale to coincide with the launch.

Festival organiser Jane Jones explained: “Prior to a reception on the roof terrace at The Cow, we gathered at the stone circle on Ashley Cross Green in order to connect with the longest day of summer.

“We wanted to celebrate the solstice and its history and so released the tickets of our 12th Party in the Park to the public at dawn on Thursday.”

The festival, a firm favourite on the Poole calendar, takes place in September and boasts live music, plenty of exhibitors, entertainment and local produce.

The decision to charge entry for this year’s festival has caused a certain amount of controversy locally, but organisers say their hands were forced by the police and local authority.

“It was either this or no Party in the Park,” said Jane. “Security measures have to be taken seriously regarding health and safety – after all, it is in our best interests.

“The fact is we’ve been told by the council and the police that we either fence the festival or it will not go ahead.”

The Lower Parkstone event has grown in popularity, year-on-year since, its inception.

Tickets, costing £3 per adult, are available around the Ashely Cross area, including sponsors Humphries Kirk, Frost & Co, Martin & Co, The Cow, Le Bateau and Patrick’s.

In addition, the newest addition to the sponsoring companies, Rubicon People, will be selling tickets from their Poole High Street office.

Visit the website partyintheparks.co.uk for more information. Gates are open between 11am-7pm, Sunday, September 2.