More than 20,000 people are expected to pack into Chaddesden Park for the annual Big 1 Carnival tomorrow. Paul Whyatt reports on what to expect.
THE event is free and he lives two minutes away, but that is not why Ian Goodall plans to take his young son to the Big 1 Carnival.
Instead, it is the oodles of entertainment and the "great" atmosphere that persuades the 34-year-old to go.
"It's just a good family environment," he says. "All the stalls and rides make it a great day out, especially if the sun shines."
Whisper it quietly, the forecast for tomorrow is rather good.
Ian plans to go with his seven-year-old son Noah and his godson Charlie, nine.
He said: "There's always lots to do for everybody. You've got the park there so you can go on the rides, have a look around the stalls and then have a picnic. You can make a full day of it."
One of the benefits of the carnival is it is free to attend, meaning families who struggle to afford a day out can take part.
"That's massively important," Ian says. "You do have to pay for the rides but there's plenty of things to do that don't cost money, so I'd definitely say it's an event for all. People come from all over Derby to join in and I can see why."
A dog show, a medieval village and live entertainment all form part of the carnival fun. There will be dance displays, falconry, a fun fair, inflatable rides and face-painting for children.
Visitors will be able to enjoy a variety of stalls selling cakes, books, toys and games, pet gifts, tombola, clothes and jewellery.
There will also be a chance to taste a number of dishes at the international food court.
And there will also be an opportunity to get up close with exotic animals and birds of prey.
Liz Oldring has helped to organise the dog show. She says: "I'm looking forward to it, especially now the weather forecast has predicted good weather. We are hoping that at least a couple of hundred people will enter the dog show. It will be a sociable day where like-minded people can meet with their dogs and have fun."
There are three categories for the show: cute, command and quirky and Liz says: "The best biscuit catcher is my personal favourite. Each class costs £1.50 and if people enter two, they get the third free."
The carnival will also be a chance for young children to showcase their talents. Among them will be pupils at Anna Michelle's School of Dance, in Cranmer Road, Derby.
Principal Anna Michelle says: "We're going to be doing a 30-minute slot, performing various styles of dance.
"We'll be doing cheerleading, freestyle and modern dancing. We've performed at the carnival for the past four or five years. Parents come down to watch the children and everyone really enjoys it.
"This year we'll have 40-50 youngsters. Some are as young as two years old."
Phil Raffle, 60, from Chaddesden, is also looking forward to tomorrow. He says: "The Big 1 seems to get bigger and bigger every year. There is so much for my grandchildren to do and there's plenty for me and the wife as well."
And James Roulinson, 38, from Derwent, says: "For me the Big 1 is the ultimate family fun day. The best thing is the choice of food on offer – with everything from burgers to bhajis, curry and rice to chicken, rice and peas, hot potatoes to hot cakes and everything in between."
The carnival is organised by the Friends of Chaddesden Park, Derby City Council, Derby Homes and Derby Live.
Carl Willis, community initiative officer at Derby Homes, says: "I'm really excited about the day. We have got some great things to do including the return of the medieval village which is always interesting."
He says there will also be a host of animals at the show for people to have a look at.
"From birds of prey to exotic animals and a dog show, it keeps getting bigger and bigger each year.
"We are hoping to have a military vehicle on site as well as lots of equipment, such as radios, for people to have a look at."
Last year, more than 20,000 people attended the event but Carl hopes that figure will be "smashed" this year with an even bigger turnout of people.
He says: "We had a record number of people come last year and we'd like to beat that."
The day starts at 11am with live music which will be provided by a range of local artists including Karl and the Marx Brothers, Riptide, Just James and headlining act Ministry of Soul.
The fun dog show takes place at 12.30pm. Those wishing to enter their dogs are asked to sign up at 11am.
Displays will take place in the dance arena from noon.
The main carnival programme finishes at 6pm, with the fun fair open until 10pm.
A GUIDE TO CHADDESDEN PARKCHADDESDEN Park has been a popular green space in Derby for over 70 years.
The brook and water play area, which has recently replaced the paddling pool, are favourite spots.
There are lots of sports facilities in the park, including a BMX track, football and cricket pitches, and a multi-use games area, all set in this historic parkland.
The original yew and cedar trees still remain to mark the location of the former Chaddesden Hall.
The park is an important place for the community – with a popular café, youth shelters and lots of events put on by the Friends group.
The park's size makes it the ideal venue for the Big One, now in its 33rd year.
In 2009, the park was hit by deluges of rain which meant the Big 1 was twice cancelled. The event was due to be held on June 7 but could not go ahead due to the park being waterlogged. It was rearranged for August 2 but, yet again, heavy rain forced the festival to be cancelled.
The main car park can be accessed through woodland off Maine Drive.
