Party scorcher!

Fun for all at the Delph party

After days of gloomy weather, brilliant weekend sunshine turned a village’s Party in the Park into a scorching success.

More than 1,600 revellers thronged Delph and Dobcross cricket club ground to dance, drink and eat at the marathon event.

Tickets for the party, the third to be held to raise funds for key village activities and enhance community life, sold out weeks ago.

Phil Beckwith, an entrepreneur, speaking on behalf of the Wake Up Delph team, said: “We actually planned the weather for the day! After days of rain, clouds and bitter winds, the day could not have been more perfect. The party was a truly rousing success.

“Everyone of our 60-strong team has worked really hard for weeks. It was a seamless operation and big thanks should go to them all and New Image which helped with sound equipment.”

Organisers believe that at least £10,000 was raised on the day. The money will be ploughed back into other milestone village events including the Christmas lights switch on December 5.

Families brought their own hampers and seating, sharing home-made picnics with friends in the warm sunshine.

Local compere Gilbert Symes, a enthusiastic event supporter, said: “It was a splendid. Everyone really enjoyed themselves.”

Local parish councillor Ken Hulme said: “No wonder Delph is called ‘God’s own country’ after the fabulous weather.”

The show opened with a performance from international singer Sally Jaxx followed by popular local singer Morgan and a stunning set from show-toppers tribute band, Kings of Queen.

A special “Last Night of the Proms” theme by Delph Band, including sea shanties, played to a backdrop of spectacular fireworks and the sounds of the “1812 Overture”.