No Hobble on the Cobbles for 2016 '“ but popular Live in the Park event returns

Hobble on the Cobbles won't be making a comeback in 2016 putting the long-term future of the event in doubt '“ though music fans can console themselves with the return of the brilliant Live in the Park.
Toyah Willcox headlined last year's Live in the Park eventToyah Willcox headlined last year's Live in the Park event
Toyah Willcox headlined last year's Live in the Park event

The historic music festival in Market Square was last staged in 2014 when Toploader was the headline act.

Aylesbury Town Council cancelled the 2015 iteration because its traditional August Bank Holiday weekend date clashed with Live in the Park and the wider Park Life events.

At the time a council spokesman said it was ‘not the end’ of the event and ‘we don’t want to scrap Hobble on the Cobbles because it is part of the heritage of Aylesbury’s music scene’.

However, after feedback from the public, the authority has again opted in favour of holding Live in the Park in Vale Park on the August bank holiday weekend at the expense of Hobble on the Cobbles.

Cllr Peter Agoro, chairman of the communities committee at the town council, said: “At each event we gather feedback and information from visitors and use this to evaluate all elements, identifying areas that worked well and those that could be improved on. Last year’s Live in the Park was a great success, at which we received overwhelming positive feedback praising the family activities, catering and line-up of live music, which included many local artists as well as supporting local businesses. We appreciate that there are a number of people who would like Hobble on the Cobbles to return to Market Square and we do listen to all feedback given to us.

“We are committed to continuing to provide fantastic events for all of our community, by holding the live music event in the park rather than in the town centre it gives us the opportunity to provide additional family entertainment in a relaxed, safe and comfortable environment whilst continuing to bring the tradition of live music to our town.”

The town council has revealed its full line-up of events for 2016.Included are all the usual favourites, such as Aylesbury-on-Sea, St George’s Day, Park Life, Tudor Fayre and Carolfest.

The Soapbox Derby on Father’s Day at Whitehill Park returns after a successful first year. A special event will be held on June 12 to celebrate the Queen’s 90th birthday.

The town council will be providing a team of entertainers who will travel across the parish to community events organised by residents.

Mr Agoro added: “As a town council we endeavour to provide all of our residents with high quality events, covering a broad range of entertainment, activities and styles for our local community to enjoy from Soapbox Races and a Tudor Fayre to Parklife Weekend and Carolfest. The vast majority of our events are free to attend and take part in, enabling everyone the opportunity to enjoy valuable time together with friends and family.”