The new collaborative community event ‘Get Set For Summer’ is fast approaching, as an exciting programme of fun activities, live entertainment, major prize giveaways, and local organisations prepare to take over the Northern Meeting Park in Inverness from 11am-5pm on Saturday 24th June.
The event was the brainchild of a conversation between Les Kidger, Managing Director of LCC Live, and High Life Highland’s Chief Executive, Steve Walsh, when they spoke about creating a City Centre based event that would give-back to the community during these particularly challenging times for all.
Steve Walsh, High Life Highland’s Chief Executive said: “‘Get Set for Summer’ is shaping up to be a really great day out, and we hope many people will feel encouraged to come along and enjoy all that there is on offer at the free-to-enter event.
“We are delighted to be working with so many local charities, clubs and third sector organisations in this collaborative way, as an initial aim of Get Set for Summer was to provide a new opportunity to promote all there is to get involved in in the area at a central event.
“We are also really looking forward to welcoming a number of local businesses and independent crafters to the park, all of whom will be displaying their latest products for visitors to browse and purchase as they explore the park.
“If you’ve been thinking about treating yourself or a loved one to something nice – now is your chance to do so while supporting local.”
Les Kidger of LCC Live added: “It will also be great to see the park having live entertainment and performances running throughout the day, including Cheryl Heggie School of Dance, Performers UK, Fraser School of Dance, and StepNStyle take to the stage, as well as a performance from High Life Highland’s own Young Musicians in the City of Inverness Youth Pipe Band, all of whom proudly demonstrating the best of local young talent.
“Highland Voices Gospel Choir will be entertaining the crowd in its usual way, and we are delighted to have Gregor Mathieson, the winner of Ness Factor 2022, giving a performance on the day.
“In between, there will be an array of fun Charity Challenges, which will see event-goers having the chance to win some major prizes including Belladrum Tickets for the family, Jacobite Cruise Boat Trips, a round of Crazy Golf, Open Top Bus Tours, and more.”
Steve Walsh, who was previously a Wing Commander in the Royal Air Force, explained: “The event also takes place on the same day as ‘National Armed Forces Day’ – therefore it seems apt that ‘Get Set for Summer’ acknowledges this extremely important day in the calendar of many families around the City and across the Wider Highlands.
“As such, we are delighted that the Royal British Legion Pipe Band will be playing in honour of Armed Forces Day, alongside a Standard Bearer Demonstration delivered by local Cadets. We are sure this will be a huge draw for the many people who will be in the park on the day.”
As one of the organisers, High Life Highland will also have an activity presence in the park showcasing the breadth of their services and offerings available across the Highlands.
This will include Highland Archives displaying the history of the historic Northern Meeting Park; the leisure team showcasing benefits of the highlife membership scheme; and the Inverness Castle Experience will be on site with a custom-built sandpit by Bancon Construction for visitors to build their own inspired sandcastles, and paint original Inverness Castle stones as a keepsake.
There will also be an area hosted by High Life Highland’s Young Leaders volunteers, where members of the public can enjoy a diverse range of outdoor games and activities, as well as a range of generously donated toys from Inverness’ Smyths Toys Superstore.
Julie Corcoran, High Life Highland’s Head of Libraries, said: “In recognition of ‘Get Set For Summer’ falling within National Picnic Week, High Life Highland’s Library Services will be hosting a special ‘Teddy bears picnic’ themed Book BugLive in the Park, as well as a custom-built library snug where families can enjoy story time sessions, get stuck into Lego-building activities, and collect their very own free mystery book bag.
“To add to the fun throughout the day, we will be hiding eight of our iconic little bookbug teddies around the Northern Meeting Park for children to find. Pick up a bookbug ‘hide n seek’ sheet from our friendly staff to complete on the day and be in for the chance to win a free children’s party at one of our many Community Facilities.”
There will also be several local sports Clubs and organisations in attendance including Inverness Table Tennis Club, Highland Rugby Club, Girls and Boys Brigade and Girlguiding and Balloan Football Club so that visitors can enjoy a taste of local sports clubs and activity offerings, whether as a regular or for the very first time.
The organisers of the event have been extremely grateful to everyone in the local community getting behind this new free-to-enter event.
Recognising this, Steve Walsh concluded: “It has been incredible to have so many businesses, organisations and charities support this new community event. Through their direct and indirect support, many more people in communities across the Highlands – very often those most in need – will further benefit from many of the services that High Life Highland delivers.”
