Help needed for town's 'busiest day'

Extra funding and volunteers are urgently needed for what is expected to be Buxton’s busiest day of the year.

On Saturday July 12, the popular carnival parade, road race, Buxton Festival & Fringe events, activities and events in the Pavilion Gardens and the funfair are expected to bring in the crowds. 

This year Derbyshire County Council’s Emergency Planning officials have decided to view the day’s activities as a single event, meaning an extensive list of safety requirements and regulations must now be met. 

Representatives from the numerous groups and organisations who arrange the events, often volunteer-led, have been meeting in order to make all the necessary arrangements. 

Now they are appealing to businesses and individuals to help support the day of celebrations by donating funds for the additional emergency medical cover needed, and by volunteering to help on the day. 

In previous years, both the carnival committee and organisers of the road race have paid for medical cover before and during the procession. However, the new plans mean more extensive cover will be needed from 11am to 11pm, which will bring up costs even further. 

Richard Lower, Chair of Buxton Well Dressing Festival, spoke on behalf of the various organisations: “The extended medical cover will cost £4,500 and while we have been able to secure some funding, we still need to find £2,500. Any financial support that can be provided would be greatly appreciated.” 

The designation of the day as a major event also means a number of additional volunteers will be needed to help staff a Major Event Emergency Control Room in Buxton Town Hall. 

“We are looking for people to help out with a couple of specific roles throughout the day,” said Richard. “We need a recording officer to make a note of everything that happens, along with a communications officer to convey messages between the various activity organisers.” 

If you can help in any way, either by making a donation, fundraising or by volunteering on the day, please contact Richard Lower at: chair@buxtonwelldressing.co.uk