Sun shines on Rotarians' Sheppey Summer Spectacular
- 10 hours ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 2 hours ago
The sun came out to make the Rotarians’ first Sheppey Summer Spectacular a hit.
Thousands of visitors headed to Barton’s Point Coastal Park at Sheerness on Bank Holiday Sunday to hear live bands, watch arena displays and support local businesses and charities. There was even a dog show.
At one stage, cars were queuing on the coast road to get in. About 250 vehicles ended up in the field and others parked along the beach.
But despite the success, organiser Simon Mulchinock admitted: “There was a time when we feared we might have to cancel the whole thing. We had massive concerns about the weather.
“We thought trailers for the stage and fairground might get bogged down in the mud and on Saturday night we had to send an emergency party to lift up a line of portable toilets which had blown over in the wind.”
But he added: “Mother Nature was kind to us on the day."
However, strong winds meant some rides from C & J Attractions and Funfair Rides could not be used and the birds of prey display by the Kent Owl Academy based at the Kent Life Museum in Maidstone had to be cancelled.
Mr Mulchinock went on: “The feedback has been astonishing. People have said they hadn’t seen the park that busy since the days of the Sheppey Pirates and many vendors have already asked to come back next year.”
He said: “This was a pilot to see if such an event could work – and we proved that it can. So yes, we plan to do it all again next year.
“This is what the Rotary Club is all about – helping the community. Our annual beer festival is always popular but we wanted to stage something for the whole family. It was wonderful to see so many children, parents and grandparents having a great time together."
The pilot cost about £8,000 to stage and the Rotarians are hoping to have covered their costs.
Mr Mulchinock explained: "We set out to make money for our charities but even if we make a slight loss it will have helped raise awareness of all the participating groups."
The event was opened by Sheppey’s new town crier Bruce Horton and the Mayor of Swale Cllr Derek Carnell with music from the recently launched Isle of Sheppey Band (formerly St John Ambulance).
Live music came from singer Mike Harris, rock trio Gianni Scalera and The Jury and Sheppey’s Rolling Stones’ tribute band Stoned, with support from Sheppey FM.
There were arena displays by the Island Allstars baton twirlers and the Euphoric Twirlers and a dog show masterminded by Nicci Christian of Wonder Dog Grooming.
The Sheppey Sea Cadets and Royal Marine Cadets also opened their doors for the event and gave tours of their premises and boat rides. Young visitors were also encouraged to audition for the cadets’ new band by blowing bugles and banging drums.
Bandmaster Alex Mulchinock said: “My ears are still ringing. The enthusiasm from everyone who tried our musical instruments was both infectious and unstoppable.”
The Sheppey miniature railway also did a roaring trade.
Ice cream man Charlie Rossi said: “The whole of Barton’s Point came alive with a sea of families enjoying the fantastic day. I feel very lucky to have been a part of such an amazing event and hope to see you all again next year.”
The Rotary Club’s president ‘Mad’ Mike Young, a member of the Monster Raving Loony Party, voted the event a hit and summed up the day in verse.
He said: “The pesky rain was held at bay, kissed by the sun on the day.”
As well as supporting Island charities in many ways, including its annual Community Chest event, the Rotary Club also contributes to help in Ukraine, the Nepal and Tibet mudslide, the Turkey and Syria earthquake, polio prevention, water treatment and the fight against illiteracy.
Rentals for commercial stallholders were kept low with the agreement that, if the event was successful, additional donations could be made to the Rotary Club.
Anyone who would like to support the work of the Rotarians can do so using this link: https://pay.sumup.com/b2c/QM3Z6TN7
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