Thousands pack out the Cliftonville Games 2019

The Cliftonville Games Photo Frank Leppard

Thousands of people turned out for the Cliftonville Games re-run yesterday (August 31) after the event had to be cancelled in July due to the weather.

The fun took place on the Oval Lawns and Bandstand in Eastern Esplanade with races and games all afternoon, arts, crafts and street food stalls and live music. The dog show was also well attended.

Cliftonville Classrooms – the games’ version of Tedtalks – had a selection of speakers across a wide range of topics.

Photo Frank Leppard

There was also kids’ disco tent, inflatable obstacle courses, face painting and tombola.  The event was organised by the Gordon Road Area Street Scheme (GRASS).

Photo Kirsty Oxenham

Stephen Darrer, GRASS Cliftonville  secretary, said: “After the cancellation of our event in July due to terrible weather, we were over the moon to be able to bring the Cliftonville Games back yesterday in glorious sunshine to a packed crowd of over 4,000 people. We were delighted to welcome back the celebrated Cliftonville Dog show, Cliftonville Classrooms and our famous races!

Photo Frank Leppard

“The dog show had over 25 entries which was fantastic turn out! 2019’s  best in show was Mr WizzyPuff (pictured below). We would like to thank GRASS volunteer Helen Pitman for organising and making the show such a great success along with judges Amy Redmond and Daisy Buchanan.

Photo Helen Pitman

“We would also like to thank our dog show sponsors Hiro + Wolf, Galdstone’s Cliftonville  and Doggie Delights.

Photo Frank Leppard

“This was the first year for Cliftonville Classrooms, which was sponsored by our wonderful partners Ageless Thanet. The classrooms are Cliftonville’s version of TEDx, which are 13 minute talks covering a variety of topics ranging from health and wellbeing to the environment and nature and everything in between. Our marquee was packed throughout the day with people inspired by all our brilliant speakers!

Photo Frank Leppard

“The Cliftonville Games races had over 30 events ranging from sprints, sack races (in coffee sacks from the fantastic Curve coffee roasters here in Cliftonville) to the egg and spoon race, and even the adults manged to get involved with the competition. The races are a brilliant way for all the community to help encourage health and wellbeing in our community.

Photo Frank Leppard

“We would like to thank our wonderful GRASS volunteers and A Better Cliftonville for coming and supporting us, we would not be able to do this wonderful community event without your support!

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“Finally we would like to offer massive thanks to our sponsors the National lottery, Ageless Thanet, Tesco’s ‘bags of help’ and our wonderful Kent County Councillor Lesley Game for her support and donation that has helped make the event possible!”

A GoFundMe online donation campaign has now been launched to bring the Cliftonville Games back for 2020.

Click here to donate