Ongoing support helps Thornton ‘Party in the Park’ grow and develop
Thornton Community Council awarded 3-year grant to keep the party going
Thornton’s Party in the Park event is the only occasion in the local calendar that is entirely free of charge and open to all, making it an opportunity for residents of all ages and backgrounds to come together in a fun and welcoming environment.
Following a successful community fun day in Thornton Memorial Park back in summer 2024, run by Thornton Community Council, the organising committee were delighted to receive overwhelmingly positive feedback, and plans to cement the event firmly into the annual village calendar took shape.
The group applied to the Middle Balbeggie Wind Farm Community Fund, and the local decision making Panel, recognising the value of long-term planning for the event, approved a three-year award to Thornton Community Council to support Party in the Park. The grant, which covers most of the costs for a 2025, 2026 and 2027 event, frees up the committee from spending time fundraising so they can focus on organising a memorable event.
Approximately 450 residents and friends attended the 2025 Party in the Park, despite overcast weather and several brief rain showers throughout the day. When heavier rainfall arrived in the late afternoon, festivities continued indoors as ‘Party in the Pavillion’. The day featured a wide range of activities and entertainment, including inflatables, community stalls, catering, free ice-cream and a goody bag for each child in attendance, live music from the Tullis Russell Mills Band, DJ entertainment from DJ Stu, a performance from Gavin Patrick, and games for children and adults alike. Afternoon Tea was served in the Pensioners Hut, supplied by Thornton Bowling Club and their volunteers. A tombola, football cards, donation buckets, and contributions from stall holders raised an impressive £545 on the day, which will be directed towards the costs of future events.
By bringing together residents of all ages — from young children enjoying inflatables and goody bags, to older members of the community sharing Afternoon Tea, Party in the Park strengthens social bonds, reduces isolation, and fosters a genuine sense of community pride and togetherness.
The event also demonstrates meaningful community participation through volunteering with many people representing several Thornton-based voluntary groups as well as people from the wider community giving their time freely both in the lead up to the event and on the day to make it a success.
The three year grant from the Middle Balbeggie Wind Farm Fund ensured that the entirely free-of-charge model was able to endure, so that no resident is excluded on the grounds of financial circumstance.
The Fund was established in 2017 to support community projects benefitting residents within the Thornton Community Council area. It is managed by Netro Energy on behalf of Alpha Real Capital, and is administered by Foundation Scotland. A Community Panel, made up of people who live, work or volunteer in the area, make recommendations on grant awards and setting the overall fund strategy.
The fund provides grants to support charitable activities that enhance quality of life for local residents, contribute to vibrant, healthy, successful and sustainable communities and promote community spirit and encourage community activity.
With three years of secured funding in place, Thornton Community Council and Thornton Hibs FC are well-positioned to grow and sustain Party in the Park as a cornerstone event in the community calendar. The funds raised through on-the-day donations also help to reduce grant dependency over time, supporting the long-term viability of the event. The organisers look forward to welcoming the community again in 2026 and 2027, building on an already strong foundation and a darn good party.
Read more about the Middle Balbeggie Wind Farm Community Fund