The Great Middleton Park Show takes place every year on the second Sunday in September, organised by the Friends of Middleton Park (FoMP). This year the sun shone and everyone came out to enjoy themselves.
There were some hotly contested categories in the marquee, with beautiful artwork alongside creative crocheting, apples, grapes and too-heavy-to-lift marrows and pumpkins. Who knew you could grow grapes in Middleton! The handwriting competition was supported by Hunslet RLFC and star player Jimmy Watson was there to present prizes alongside the Lord Mayor of Leeds, Cllr Stephen Holroyd.
Middleton Park Bowling Club was open for have-a-go bowling and the climbing wall attracted a lot of budding climbers, while down near the bandstand people were enjoying the line dancing.
DJ Danny kept the entertainment coming with a programme of local singers and dancers and a ukulele band. At the top performance area were the ever popular Leeds South Steel, plus giant bubbles and pop-up poetry.
In between was the market street of stalls, offering a wide range of locally produced goods – honey, knitted and crocheted items, wood turning, children’s clothes – plus information about local services and campaigns.
For many people one of the Show’s highlights is SMJ Falconry, who come with their birds and ferrets and entertain the crowds. This year’s flying display was particularly eventful, with a local crow chasing a gyr falcon and a kite. Chris from SMJ kept up his informative and entertaining patter, and had (almost) all the children flat on their backs while an owl swept low across them.
Local resident Katharine said:
“Really great event, first time down this year, will be coming again next year. Lots of interesting stalls, tasty food vans, great activities for children and nice displays.”
Chair of FoMP, Frances Jones added:
“Please put 12 September 2027 in your diary and get thinking about what you can enter next year!”
This post is based on a press release issued by the Friends of Middleton Park
Photos: Karlis Blum and Jason Sanders
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