RESIDENTS and visitors to Redcar are invited to a nostalgic celebration on Saturday,11 October, from 11am-3pm, as the town marks the grand re-opening of the historic Redcar Boating Lake.
The free event will provide a nod back to when the lake first opened in 1937, featuring Punch and Judy, vintage fairground rides, live music, crafts and model boat displays as well as the town’s original Sunshine Stage at the bandstand.
Restoration works were completed at Redcar’s much-loved historic Boating Lake last month after it was carefully brought back to life thanks to specialist and complex repairs when it struggled to retain water.
Investigations found significant cracking throughout the entire concrete basin slab, which required labour intensive repairs to be carried out by hand.
Following a rigorous testing phase, the lake retained water and was reopened to the public on 10 September.
Cllr Alec Brown, Leader of the Council, said:
“As a way of thanking everyone for their patience and support while the repairs were taking place to the Boating Lake, we thought it would be fitting to hold a grand re-opening event for everyone to enjoy.
“We are proud to have brought the Boating Lake back to life for future generations to enjoy and I would encourage the public to come along and see the Boating Lake for themselves whilst also taking the opportunity to enjoy some of the fantastic entertainment on offer.
“Join us for a day of fun, memories and celebration as Redcar Boating Lake begins a new chapter in its long history.”
Entertainment on offer during the re-opening event, will include:
- 15-year-old Redcar Tik Tok star, George Robinson, Britain’s youngest crooner will be performing a mixture of classic songs from the likes of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Bing Crosby
- the Lipsticks Vintage Trio will be singing the songs of yesterday in perfect harmony.
- Lady Lemon Top will be entertaining the children with stories that celebrate Redcar’s history.
- Free craft sessions with Creative Village CIC will run throughout the event with families invited to make model boats from recycled materials.
- And there will be a traditional Punch & Judy show – he’s behind you! – adding to the vintage themed entertainment.
Tees Women Poets will be in residence to collect your memories of Redcar and artist Greener Lavelle will be bringing along their giant Sarga the Sea Turtle puppet to mingle with the crowds.
Kirkleatham Museum are reprinting original vintage postcards and visitors will be encouraged to write messages of their dreams and hopes for the town on the back.
And, of course, what is a boating lake without boats! Redcar Model Boat Club will be at the centre of it all with their collection of model boats.