New logo for park centenray celebrations

Jun 15 2012 by Lynn Jolly, Paisley Daily Express

BARSHAW Park will come alive to the sound of music tomorrow as it celebrates its 100th birthday.

The popular Paisley park will host a centenery gala and garden party for all the family.

X Factor boyband The Risk will be the star attraction among a host of live performances, including local bands.

The Clyde 1 Roadshow will also be there, with DJs Romeo, Gavin Pearson and Gina McKie.

Also lined up for the event is a wrestling show, ceilidh, fairground rides, craft fair, community stalls and a designated garden party area.

There will be sounds from new boy bands Forbidden Juice and Supanova to keep the younger family members happy.

Traditional entertainment, such as a beat-the-goalie contest and pony rides will also be staged and there will be displays from the army, fire service and police, as well as nature displays, including falconry and a dog show.

Barshaw Park was officially opened on June 15, 1912, by Paisley Burgh Council to create a space for the public to use for recreation.

The land was bought from the Arthur family, who were well known in Paisley and owned several firms in Glasgow.

Earlier this year, Renfrewshire Council announced plans for a £150,000 makeover of the park, including a new outdoor gym and fitness equipment, improvements to the BMX track, new information boards and refurbishment of the boundary fencing.

Members of Paisley’s Disability Resource Centre will be taking a look back at the history of the park in a historical display and there will also be a special stand to encourage people to join in the creation of a Friends of the Park group.

Anyone looking for a more relaxed day out can enjoy classical music, refreshments and a gardening advice service in the park’s walled garden.

Provost Anne Hall said: “This is going to be a huge event with something on in every area of the park and entertainment and activities on offer for everyone.

“We’ve got a great range of performances taking place on the main stage, fun activities, displays and stalls throughout the park and a designated garden party area in the walled garden.

“It’s going to be a fantastic event and I hope to see lots of people out enjoying themselves and their park.”

Provost Hall will be planting a commemorative tree in the park’s woodland area at around 2.30pm.

People going along are being advised that only the three entrances on Glasgow Road will be open and that parking is expected to be very busy on the day.

Although the main entrance car park will be closed, overflow parking is available in the car park off Oldhall Road, as well as at Paisley Grammar School and Hawkhead train station.

Express readers are also advised to use public transport wherever possible.

Barshaw Centenary Gala Day and Garden Party will take place from noon until 4pm and all are welcome.