Gedling Borough Council (GBC) have released the date for this year’s Arnold summer fair which will take place on Saturday, June 24 from 11am until 5pm at Arnot Hill Park, Arnold.
This years event is described by GBC as a celebration of community and diversity – an inclusive and multicultural event featuring live music, creative workshops, performances, stalls and more.
Midlands Melanin Market will be bringing a range of stalls showcasing the works of African and Caribbean artists and makers and there will be a number of community and charity stalls, street food traders and arts and craft activities for residents to enjoy.
Skate Nottingham will also be holding a skate jam at the skate park at Arnot Hill Park for both new and experienced skaters to take part in.
GBC announced on their website that the multicultural themed celebration holds a particularly special significance this year as it coincides with the 75th Anniversary of the Windrush arrivals and will be an opportunity for residents to embrace diversity and celebrate the vibrant multicultural heritage of the area.
The announcement was immediately met with annoyance from one trader due to the short notice.
Mark Hammans announced his frustration on facebook regarding the short notice for the event. In a direct response to GBC’s facebook post Mark stated that ‘We have been in contact with your staff since Xmas for details of a summer event. You have delayed and delayed. Pathetic given we often take bookings up to a year in advance. Totally unacceptable”
Gedling Eye caught up with Mark regarding his comment and he was less than complimentary about GBC’s communication saying:
“We have had the same problem with GBC for years now its incompetence. I run Aid2Gambia and Arnold Carnival was always my favourite and we were very well supported.
“Always last minute decisions by the Council. I spoke to GBC about a stall for the Xmas light switch on 2 years on the trot, again virtually nothing back until the very last minute.
“We book some events a year in advance and June being a prime month for events there is a we don’t care attitude from the majority at GBC. I don’t know whether it is working from home where management have lost control or utter incompetence.
“I have had to book another event and cannot now make Arnold which does anger me as we usually have fantastic support. Aid2Gambia is wholly run by a couple of volunteers and it shows the contempt that the Council have for organisations like ours.”
We contacted GBC regarding Mark’s comments and a Gedling Borough Council Spokesperson told Gedling Eye that:
“The Arnold Summer Fair is a celebration of community and diversity and is an event we are organising with the support of local partners, charities and community groups.
“Details for some events may be delayed whilst plans are finalised with partners and budgets are approved. We already have a number of attendees booked to join us at the Arnold Summer Fair and have been in contact with previous stall holders for several months about the event.
“We have a long-running, positive relationship with many local groups and will continue to work closely with the local community and voluntary sector on events such as this.
“We’ve had an overwhelmingly positive response following the announcement of the Arnold Summer Fair and hope the event will be enjoyed by everyone able to attend. “
The Leader of Gedling Borough Council, Councillor John Clarke MBE said;
“The Arnold Summer Fair is a fantastic opportunity for our communities to come together, celebrate our diversity, and enjoy a day filled with entertainment and culture.
“I’d like to encourage as many residents as possible to come and join us for this event, to find out more about our diverse communities and enjoy the variety of activities taking place here at one of our stunning parks.”
Stall holders and food traders can book a place at the event by visiting www.gedling.gov.uk/Arnold-Fair
The event takes place at the Green Flag Award winning Arnot Hill Park, Arnold, Nottingham, NG5 6LU
