The Northern Meeting Park gates will be opened to members of the public from 11am-5pm on Saturday 24th June for ‘Get Set For Summer’, a charitable event piloted collaboratively by High Life Highland and LCC Live, with the aim of giving back to the community.
Entry to the family-friendly fun day out will be completely free of charge, in response to the increasing pressures of household finances during the current cost-of-living crisis.
Steve Walsh, High Life Highland’s Chief Executive, said: “High Life Highland and LCC Live are really looking forward to the first ‘Get Set for Summer’ event where you can expect a lively program of all-day entertainment, performers, competitions, goodie bags, and more.”
The new ‘Get Set for Summer’ event falls on Armed Forces Day. Recognising this fact, Steve Walsh who has a distinguished career in the Royal Air Force amassing 4,500 hours flying Nimrods continued: “I am delighted that this family event will fall on the same day as Armed Forces Day 2023. We are so honoured to be able to mark the day with the help of the Royal British Legion Pipe Band – which I am sure will be a huge hit with the crowds on the day.”
Les Kidger, Managing Director with LCC Live added: “We are getting increasingly excited about this community ‘give back’ event which guarantees to have something for everyone.
“For the all-day entertainment, you can expect something for everyone with a lively programme of performance talent from across our community.
“We have a great selection of charities, businesses and crafters from across the Highlands coming along to present their local products and services, including the well-loved Highland Dog Bakery – so visitors are welcome to bring their four-legged friends along to this dog-friendly event to pick up a tasty treat.”
Ollie’s Pops, Juicy Ness, Whisk Away, Red Shank, and Auld Smokey Pizza from the Highland Food & Drink Trail will be participating too, so ‘Get Set for Summer’ visitors are invited to ‘follow their senses’ as they walk about the riverside and park in search of an indulgent snack.
’Get Set for Summer’ will also feature inflatable fun, family games, funfair rides, and more attractions to keep everyone entertained. There will be a wide range of activities to get involved in, with High Life Highland Young Leaders leading the sporting action throughout the day, as well as local sports clubs including the Highland Rugby Club and Inverness Table Tennis
There will be a great range of High Life Highland services to engage with on the day, including well-loved Bookbug who will be hosting their famous story time sessions, lego-building, and giving away mystery book bags.
The team from the Inverness Castle Experience will be on hand promoting the latest progress on the Castle’s exciting redevelopment, and the Highland Archives will have interesting historical displays to view, with special local features including the history of the Northern Meeting Park.
There will also be a showcasing of Leisure Centre offerings via the highlife membership scheme, with some fun fitness challenges to get involved in too.
Members of the public will be in for a chance to win some fantastic prizes in the big ’Get Set for Summer’ Spin-to-Win, including tickets to Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival 2023, and a whole year’s free highlife membership.
Les Kidger concluded: “The idea behind ‘Get Set For Summer’ will always be to give back to the community by promoting all that is available to the public to get involved in across Inverness.
“We hope the weather holds out for us and that we have an amazingly busy day at the Northern Meeting Park.”
