Clough Hall Park in Kidsgrove is known locally for their rather impressive local fireworks display every bonfire night. They have a large array of funfair attractions, games and stalls every year. The fireworks display is icing on the cake for the very affordable entry price. After hearing about the latest Kidsgrove’s Party in the Park event I thought it would be very much of the same so I journeyed on down.
On the day of the event after having three days of glorious sunshine the heavens opened. It’s early morning and the rain was pelting down but regardless I headed on in. Seeing as thou the wonderful Stanworths Funfair were providing the attractions I knew we’d be in good hands. I was hoping to jump on the dodgems, ride the Ghost Train, explore the funhouse but sadly the fun stopped there.
Upon entry into the park there was a very small number of stalls. Local businesses selling food and all matter of little items and artefacts. But I was very surprised and just how few stalls there actually were. But nevertheless I carried on down the path, turned the corner expecting to see the glorious Clough Hall funfair and then…
This may be the most depressing set of rides i’ve ever seen at a funfair. The glorious spectacle that I saw last bonfire night has been reduced to this selection of kids rides. I know Kidsgrove Town Council like to save every penny they can and spend wisely on local attractions but this was as depressing as the clouds above me. Being a wet and rainy day any indoors sheltered ride would have been better than what was here. Don’t get me wrong the rides themselves are great, for kids. But a little variety would be nice.
Stanworths Funfair have a wonderful array of rides but whoever booked this selection of rides was specifically aiming one demographic. Kids. Not one adult ride to be seen and most importantly. No indoor rides. I was so looking forward to hopping on a ghost train today but sadly it wasn’t meant to be. But hey, at least there’s a train with no cover over it to happily soak you even more in your misery.
If you want to have fun today, I’d suggest looking elsewhere. If you want to support local traders and independent businesses then I’d recommend you make the trip. Kidsgrove, you can do better! Sadly, the elements are against us today but I only pray that I’ve arrived a little early and more is on the way this afternoon. If not, you should go to watch the pre season football match at Kidsgrove Athletic this afternoon instead. It’ll be far more entertaining.
