Bluebell Walks launch summer events in Middleton Park

Friends of Middleton Park launch their summer season of events with escorted walks through the bluebell woods on Sunday 5 and Bank Holiday Monday 6 May.

The Friends have teamed up with Middleton Railway and will greet passengers arriving at Park Halt on the 11am, 1pm and 2:40pm trains. You can then enjoy a guided stroll to the Visitor Centre through the splendour that is the carpet of Bluebells in Middleton woods.

The walk will take aproximately 30 to 40 minutes, and is up hill and could be on unsurfaced paths. Refreshments will be available at the Visitor Centre and on Sunday you can enjoy the music of the Chris White Jazz Trio between 2-4pm.

For those that want to explore further, there are many alterative walks round the woods that can be taken back to the Park Halt station. Or you can return via a direct road that takes about 10 to 15 minutes.

You don’t have to travel by train to join the walk, you can make your own way to Park Halt station, which is close to the John Charles Centre for Sport. The walks will set off at approximately 11:10am, 1:10pm and 2:50pm.

Events will continue on most Sundays throughout the summer right up to the end of September.

May continues with a guided walk around the park on Sunday 19 May. The walk will set off from the Visitor Centre at 1:30pm and last about two hours, visiting the outskirts of the park. It’s a chance to take in views over Leeds, and learn some of the park’s history.

Then on the Bank Holiday weekend the Northern Kite Group return to The Clearings to stage the Kite Festival.
It’s always a spectacular display of some of the biggest kites in the world and takes place on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 May 11am-4pm.

On Tuesday 28 May there will be a ‘request walk’ in the evening, 6:30-8pm. Come along to the Visitor Centre and request a walk about an aspect of the history of the park, or a walk to look at something specific. Or just come along for a pleasant evening walk. A local guide will lead a walk that attempts to meet requests. It could be muddy under foot, so wear boots or walking shoes and suitable clothing.

June highlights include Children’s Magic and Mayhem on Sunday 16 June 12-4pm; and the People’s Picnic on Sunday 30 June 1-4:30pm. Bring a picnic and enjoy the music of Grange Moor Brass Band.

July kicks off with the return of Oddsocks Theatre on the evening of Tuesday 2 July. This year they bring their pantomime twist to Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. The free event is guaranteed family fun and goes ahead come rain or shine, so come prepared! 7-9:30pm.

The Rock and Folk Music Festival takes place on Sunday 22 July from 12-4pm. It showcases local talent and is run in partnership with Leeds Music Trust.

August sees the Middleton Park Dog Show on Sunday 25 August. It’s billed as “A fun day for local dogs and their humans.”

The season rounds off with the Great Middleton Park Show on Sunday 8 September and brass band music from The Friendly Band on Sunday 29 September

Check our What’s On listings page for details of every event.

All these events are put on by volunteers. If you would you like to help on a Sunday afternoon, join a working party or become a member of the Friends, please call 07914 729051 or connect online via  Facebook or Twitter.