Pulse Festival: Family gearing up for Sherdley Park's newest event

Set up by a team of Rainford residents including Phil and Tara Thomas, Picnic in the Park has grown as a successful family-friendly festival over the past eight years, and attracted crowds of almost 3,000 people last year.

With a focus on creating a family atmosphere and providing something for all ages, the festival became a non-for-profit Community Interest Company this year, and raises money for various sports and community clubs in Rainford.

Following the growing success of Picnic in the Park, Phil and Tara have decided to grow this venture further and launch the family-friendly 'Pulse Festival' at Sherdley Park this summer.

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The festival prides itself on being a family-friendly event (Image: Picnic in the Park)
Set to take place on Saturday, July 13, 'Pulse' will host six acts on its main stage, including local DJ Eric McKenna and as well as another yet-to-be-announced local band.

Ben from 'Phats & Small', 'Ultra 90s', and the 'Oaces' tribute band are also scheduled to perform, with noughties hit band Scouting For Girls set to headline 'Pulse' after delivering an electric performance in Rainford last year.

There will also be several street food stalls, a bar, a Silcock's Fair, and activities for kids at the day festival, which is planned to take place between 1pm and 9.30pm.

Scouting For Girls will headline the inaugural Pulse Festival (Image: Picnic in the Park)
While Rainford's Picnic in the Park will remain as a non-for-profit festival, Phil and Tara are aiming to build a successful music events business with the launch of 'Pulse', which is called UKEvents4U.

Phil, who runs the Rainford-based business PT Kitchens, said: "After eight years, I think Picnic in the Park speaks for itself now.

"We've always wanted to keep it as a family event where people can bring the kids, and there is always a really good atmosphere at the festival.

"We're aiming to bring a similar atmosphere into St Helens with the launch of Pulse, although there will be a bar at this festival, unlike in Rainford where it is 'bring your own beer'.

"As the festivals have grown, me and Tara have really got the buzz for it. 

"We both love music and want to make a go of building something with Pulse; it's nerve-wracking but very exciting!"

Early Bird tickets are priced at £15 for children and £28 for adults. More information can be found here.

Scouting For Girls at Picnic in the Park (Image: Picnic in the Park)