Let the fun begin! Inverness can Get Set For Summer
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
Final preparations are being made ahead of tomorrow's inaugural free Get Set For Summer family fun day in Inverness.
The event was the brainchild of a conversation between Les Kidger, 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.
Get Set For Summer promises an exciting programme of fun activities, live entertainment, major prize giveaways when it takes over the Northern Meeting Park from 11am-5pm.
Mr Walsh 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.”
Mr Kidger was excited about the live entertainment which will include Cheryl Heggie School of Dance, Performers UK, Fraser School of Dance, and StepNStyle, as well as the City of Inverness Youth Pipe Band.
He added: “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 too.
“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 Cruises boat trips, a round of crazy golf, open top bus tours and more.”
The Royal British Legion Pipe Band will be playing in honour of Armed Forces Day, alongside a Standard Bearer demonstration delivered by local Cadets.
As one of the organisers, High Life Highland will showcase its services and offerings including Highland Archives displaying the history of the 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 be other attractions for youngsters including a range of outdoor games and activities, plus a special Teddy bears picnic themed Book BugLive. Other clubs will also have activities, including Inverness Table Tennis Club, Highland Rugby Club, Girls and Boys Brigade, Girlguiding and Balloan Football Club.
The organisers have been extremely grateful to everyone for getting behind the new event.
Mr Walsh added: “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.”
