Haywards Heath Town Day celebrations

Haywards Heath was truly on the map, as the heart of Mid Sussex, when huge crowds flocked to Victoria Park for Town Day, organised by the Town Council. The five members of the Parachute Display Team braved the clouds to drop into the Park, watched by hundreds of cheering spectators. Even the threatening rain held off all afternoon, as the tiny specks in the sky slowly became clearer and closer and landed on a yellow cross marked in the centre of the arena, to a loud cheer that rose from anticipating spectators. The day was a tremendous success with many highlights including a great performance from Avril and Tracy from the Victory Vs, who sang well know military songs, familiar to many in the audience. Pop Steps stormed the stage and got the crowd moving, whilst Marco the Magician was very popular with young and old. Marco’s magic tricks involved audience participation with life size human cards for tricks, watched on by rapt onlookers. Town Mayor, cllr James Knight gave a speech and thanked local sponsors The Orchards, Gray Hooper Holt and P and S Gallagher Funeral Directors. Cllr Knight said: “What a truly marvellous Town Day for Haywards Heath, honouring the Centenary of the RAF and what a huge turnout.” He thanked the Wings Display Team for “such a fun and exciting day” and for dropping into the Park with such panache. He also thanked them for taking the time to speak to spectators and making the occasion so very special for everyone. Whilst the stage was busy, there were also a number of highlights in the arena including CircusSeen, whose circus workshops enthused adults and children to try juggling and plate spinning. Haywards Heath Rugby Football Club organised a fun assault course and a rugby demonstration, provided by the youngest members of the club. The Mewes Vets’ ‘Great British Bark Off’ dog show, was busy with ten different categories to be judged, including best ‘co-pilot’ (child’s best friend) and ‘top ranked officer’ (best in show). The Skate Park was also tremendously busy with music from DJ Neel, creating a party atmosphere, which got the skateboarders dancing to popular tunes. The day was complete with traditional fairground rides, a favourite with the public and miniature horse and carriage rides. A range of food stalls also provided tantalising cuisine, including the French revolution’s classic blue 1976 Citroen van, that served the most delicious array of crepes. Haywards Heath Town Council would like to thank our sponsors, all the performers and everyone who came along to support the day.