Park gets new arena for events

Major open-air extravaganzas such as Long Eaton Carnival have just been given a huge boost – with the completion of work by the borough council to create the perfect venue for staging events.

The project has seen power hook-ups, new lighting and water supplies installed at what has long been used as a staging post for the carnival’s floats.  Car park improvements have also been made to tempt more promoters and community organisations to use what is now a showcase two-hectare arena.  The events field at West Park in Long Eaton covers the equivalent of five acres. 

Funding for the outdoor venue has come from £25million of government money pouring into Long Eaton under a “Town Deal” that the council helped to clinch.

The events space is where the Long Eaton Carnival’s floats assemble before a spectacular parade through the town. The carnival fete itself is also in West Park – on an even bigger expanse of grass.

But the events field also plays a vital role because it is used by the organisers for regular car boot sales that are held throughout the year to raise funds.

The borough council-led improvements to West Park have thrilled the dedicated volunteers who keep the 93-year-old festival of fun going. 

Tim Fryzer-Smith said: “Last summer’s carnival was an amazing weekend – and we will be working hard to make 2025’s even better. June might seem a long way off but our message to all those wishing to take part is that as soon as theme is announced  start thinking about your fantastic floats and walking parties.” 

Erewash Borough Councillor Curtis Howard, who is also Lead Member for Town Centres, Regeneration and Planning, said: “The council is delighted to announce the transformation of the West Park events field – which means we have a superb venue for community organisations such as the Long Eaton Carnival to make use of. The arena is something the borough can be truly proud of as other projects across Long Eaton see us get maximum impact out of the £25million of Town Deal investment.”

To find out more about hiring the events field – or one of the several other sites available from the council – click on the authority’s website here: Book Your Event (erewash.gov.uk)