An event that showcases Stafford’s place on the world stage attracted its biggest audience ever on the first day of the long bank holiday weekend. 

Thousands of people descended on the town’s Victoria Park to see an exhibition of singing, dancing and music - along with a taste of what groups and businesses who have connections across the globe are involved in. 

The Mayor of Stafford Borough, Councillor Philip Leason MBE, opened the event on Thursday (2 June) which kicked off four days of activities in the park, and around the area, to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. He was joined on the day by Stafford MP, Theo Clarke, and Deputy Lieutenant of Staffordshire, Jeremy Lefroy. 

A pop-up boxing ring gave people the opportunity to have a go at the noble art as part of the Commonwealth Games roadshow - in the run up to the Birmingham games which get underway in July. And the borough Mayor took the opportunity to climb into the ring for a short sparring session with the team. 

Organisers say it was the best turnout for ‘Stafford in the World’ in its five year history with estimates of more than 2,000 people through the day at the award winning Victoria Park. Among the businesses and groups to take stalls at the event were major local employer, GE, Homes Plus and the ELM Group as well as Soroptimist International, Mbedza Projects Support and Stafford Welcomes Refugees.  

The event was organised by Stafford Borough Council and crowds were treated to music, theatre and dance by local groups Dance Fusion, Ovation Work Place Choir, Stafford Brigades Youth Marching Band, Musical Youth Theatre and Dappa Dance.  

Councillor Jeremy Pert, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Communities, said: “What a fantastic way to begin the platinum jubilee bank holiday weekend with a record crowd for an event celebrating the town’s position in the world.  

“Our county town has an amazing variety of unknown connections around the world and this day was a wonderful opportunity for businesses, charities and organisations to highlight them. 

“And it is fitting ‘Stafford in the World’ started four days of celebrations which pay tribute to the dedication to the country, and its people, of our monarch who for seven decades has been the most amazing ambassador for this nation across the globe.” 

Theo Clarke MP, said: “It was fantastic to join Stafford in the World and celebrate so much of what the businesses and community groups are involved in across the borough. It was an incredible turnout for the event and I hope everyone enjoyed the start of the Platinum Jubilee festivities.”    

Press Release 5910