'By the community for the community': Party on Potton is coming this weekend

Party on Potton will take place from Friday, August 28, to Monday, August 31, at the Henry Smith Playing Field – and there promises to be activities for all ages.

There's a stellar line-up of ticketed evening events, including Party Night at Club Tropicana (Friday, 6pm), Big Band Night starring the Sound Express (Saturday, 7.30pm), Comedy Night – headlined by Hal Cruttenden and also starring Roger Monkhouse, Matt Price and Jules O'Brian (Sunday, 8.30pm) – and The Ultimate Quiz Showdown (Monday, 7.30pm).

Meanwhile, there will be free, family fun during the daytimes: Community Day (Saturday); Arts, Crafts and Small Businesses (Sunday); and Sports and Wellbeing day (Monday). Throughout the weekend there will also be a licenced bar, barbecue and food stalls.

Richard West, chairman of Party on Potton, told the Chronicle: "Please come along if you are looking for something fun that brings people together. Get involved and enjoy it.

"It's not-for-profit and everything we do goes back to the community and charity.

"One thing that I am most proud of this year is our Sports and Wellbeing Day – there's exercises, meditation, massage, a sauna, and a plunge pool.

"It's all about mental health and looking after each other."

On Saturday's Community Day there will be the Interesting Vehicle Parade (starting at Shannon Place from noon and arriving at Henry Smith Playing Fields at 12.45pm), a Kids Zone (1pm), a display by Potton Fire Station (1.30pm), and a dog show (3pm). Other Saturday activities include: dog agility, community stalls, games, a miniature railway and live music.

On Sunday's Arts, Crafts and Small Businesses​ Day, there will be a walking treasure hunt (10am to noon); a Churches Together service (10.30am); the Potton History Society Walk with Potton Playhouse (11am, starts from marquee), and a Posh Picnic with Live Music (noon). There will also be a Kids Zone, circus skills and stalls.

On Monday's Sports and Wellbeing Day there will be 5k run, and 5k dog walk – 10am and 10.15am respectively. Registration is at the marquee (9am). There will also be pilates, mindfulness, meditations and facial demonstrations, as well as the Kids Zone, Utterley Butterly Ukulele Project, and sports clubs.

Richard added: "Party on Potton started off as being something to celebrate the millenium and it was so popular it's kept going.

"The event is run by 12 committee members and relies heavily on a team of volunteers and supporters. We raise money over two years in order to put the event on.

"I'd like to thank Potton Town Council, they are brilliant – and to the many people who sponsor and support us."

Profits raised from this year's event will go towards local causes.

Meanwhile, its fellowship stretches across the seas, as Saturday's musicians – swing band the Sound Express – will be attending from Potton's twin town of Langenlonsheim, Germany.

"We have been lifelong friends with the band and they come to every Party on Potton," said Richard.

"At a macro level, there's a lot going on in the world at the moment and it's the opportunity to bring people together for fun, wellbeing and charity.

"We all work hard and we know our mantra: by the community, for the community."

Tickets and more information are online.