Momentum rolling as Spalding Flower Parade plans continue turning into reality
The man behind plans for the Spalding Flower Parade says there is ‘nothing in the way’ of the event now.
Stephen Timewell has spent the last three weeks building his dream of the revived flower parade, with offers of sponsorships, help and more.
While momentum continues to gather on Mr Timewell’s £50,000 fundraiser, the campaigner has also put £2,500 of his own money into the pot.
He said: “This event is happening - there’s nothing in our way now. The fundraiser is going really well - we’ve raised more than £4,100 so far - but I needed to put more in as we needed to secure the barriers.
“We need 200 of them and I didn’t want to take a huge chunk out of the fundraiser, so I’ve put £2,500 in to pay for those.”
Mr Timewell has also been speaking with South Holland District Council leader Gary Porter who he says has been ‘brilliant’.
“I had an email from Gary Porter who says the chairman of Spalding Town Forum is looking at how they can help me and remove any potential barriers which is great.
“He’s been brilliant and the council have been really supportive.
“I am one 100% convinced this is going to happen.”
In a milestone moment last week, the district council also approved use of the Castle Sports Complex Field for the event which was another huge hurdle jumped for the plans.
Mr Timewell has also met with Crusader Traffic to check the planned 2.94 mile route for the parade while producing risk assessments and paperwork to sent to highways ready for the road closure applications.
He said: “There were no problems at all with the route and we’ve even come up with an alternate route for the bus companies to use as we will be taking up most of the roads.
“We’re pushing forward with the park and ride plans too.”
Mr Timewell has also been in touch with a ‘massive’ social media star who he hopes will be attending the parade.
He has approached TikTok star SUAT , who is a popular DJ, who he hopes will be on board to attend the event.
Mr Timewell added: “The kids love him! So that would be really great.”
Under 18s can get involved now
Youngsters are being encouraged to get involved with the parade by designing their own float to be put in front of judges.
The winning design will be brought to life and will appear in the parade, which it is hoped will take place on May 6, 2023. The winner will also receive a £200 book and stationery voucher donated by Bounce.
Anyone under the age of 18 can enter and the design must be hand-drawn and coloured on any sized paper but a minimum of A4. It should focus on the parade theme - Spalding through the eras - from 1940 to today.
Post your entry with your details to Spalding Flower Parade, 7 Starlode Drove, West Pinchbeck, PE11 3TD, to be received before November 1, 2022.
