Popular Thirsk Picnic in the Park ends 14-year run

Thirsk's Picnic in the Park attracted thousands of people to the grounds of Thirsk Hall every year to enjoy food, music and an outdoor festival feeling.

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The group behind the event, Thirsk Action Group, announced this week that they have now lost the use of the venue and do not have another one to stage the event.

Organisers Sue Calvert and Jane Burgess said: “We’d like to thank everyone who has been a part of Thirsk Picnic in the Park over the last 14-years, we could not have done this without the support of the local community.

"We would also like to pass on a big thank you to all of the sponsors; S J Dresser, Beechwood Leisure, Calvert’s Carpets and CB Furnishings.

"The Thirsk Action Group still needs your support, and we will be back with more events in the future.”

The pair also thanked the event's numerous sponsors over the years.

Picnic in the Park raised £263,482 for the children’s charity Action Medical Research, with the Thirsk Action Group raising in excess of £536,668.

Action Medical Research is dedicated to saving and changing children’s lives by funding a wide range of cutting-edge medical research most likely to deliver real benefit in pregnancy and to babies, children, and young people.

Thirsk Action Team

Members of the Thirsk Action Team

Sue was inspired to raise funds for the charity after she sadly lost baby Matthew to Spina Bifida in 1977, before scans or medical advances.

Following this devastating loss, Sue was approached by an Action-funded researcher to ask her to take part in a medical trial, should she wish to try for another baby.

Three years later, Sue took part in the Spina Bifida trial for Folic Acid and fell pregnant with William, without complications.

From that moment on, the Thirsk Action Group was born.

Sue and Jane have been keen supporters since, fundraising tirelessly to ensure life-saving research could be funded.

Georgina Thornton, the charity's community and supporter group fundraiser, said: “Thirsk Picnic in the Park is such an iconic event that will be sadly missed.

"The atmosphere was always of joy and fun, the sun always shone for us.

"The support that Sue and Jane have provided for not only Action Medical Research, but for the local community too, is just exceptional.

"They have raised an amazing £93,137 for other local Charities such as Yorkshire Air Ambulance, Thirsk Clock, James Herriot Hospice, the Friarage Scanner Appeal and many more, they are such an inspiration, and we cannot thank them enough.”

The Action group committee is appealing for continued support, follow the Thirsk Picnic in the Park facebook page for future events and updates.