Tamworth Castle grounds are sports central as the historic venue is a festival site for the Commonwealth Games – and lots of other fun.
The tourist attraction is hosting a programme of activities until August 13, including live coverage of the Games each day, live music and fun events as part of Castle Summer Fest.
During each day of the Games there has been a big screen showing the action, and sports inflatables to keep younger guests entertained.
Hundreds of people joined the Community Have-a-Go day on July 30 and took part in an attempt to break a World Record.
Tamworth entered the biggest piggyback race with a minimum distance of 100m, with the aim of beating the previous record held by Scouts Australia involving 1,274 participants. Sadly, the record wasn’t broken this time, but hundreds of people enjoyed having a go.
The Have-a-Go day drew large crowds of people to the grounds with families enjoying a free 5k fun run and piggyback race, community acts, live music, plus a selection of activities including zorbing, darts and volleyball.
Thousands also gathered around the big screen on July 31 to watch the England Lionesses beat Germany in a historic final.
Spicy shows
The closing ceremony of the Commonwealth Games on Monday will be available to watch on the big screen, along with live music and food and drink on offer.
Other events include singer Jack Savoretti and special guest Spice Girl Melanie C performing on August 12.
A Very Best of the 80s show is taking place on August 13, featuring stars such as Belinda Carlisle, Howard Jones, the Thompson Twins’ Tom Bailey, Boney M, The Fizz, Toyah and Katrina of The Waves. Before the live acts take to the concert stage, there will be a live 80s disco and the resident DJ will be presenter and radio host Pat Sharp.
Movie night
Outdoor cinema showings will also be held on August 10, with a showing of Disney favourite Coco, and the new version of West Side Story.
Tickets are required for the both the music events and cinema showings. To book for the music concerts visit www.ticketmaster.co.uk. Cinema tickets are available from www.tamworthartsandevents.co.uk
Councillor Robert Pritchard, Deputy Leader of Tamworth Borough Council, said: “What a fantastic day of events in the Castle Grounds. A big thank you to everyone who came down and helped us to attempt the world record piggyback run and join in with the other activities throughout the day.
“It was so exciting to see families joining together for this community event, it was the perfect opportunity to get people involved in the celebrations for the Commonwealth Games theme.
Atmosphere
“What an incredible atmosphere in the Castle Grounds on Sunday evening, as thousands cheered on England’s women’s football team as they scooped the Euro Cup.
“Castle Summer Fest is the biggest event ever organised by Tamworth Borough Council and there’s so much going on for all the family to enjoy, celebrating sport and live entertainment.
“We’re live screening the commonwealth games for the whole event, including the closing ceremony, and people are encouraged to bring a chair or picnic blanket, a picnic and come along to soak up the atmosphere.”
