A PARK will be officially reopened today (Saturday) with a free afternoon of music and entertainment.

A celebration will be held at Howard Park in Letchworth GC following the completion of a �2.7m refurbishment project.

The park reopened to the public in March, while the gardens were unveiled last November.

North Herts District Council has organised the day, which runs from noon to 5pm.

The council’s Play Rangers will be keeping children up to 11-years-old entertained while Groundwork Herts run a range of ‘Spots v Stripes’ games and competitions. Vintage funfair rides including swingboats and a classic roundabout will be in action throughout the afternoon.

Music on the day will be provided by seven-piece soul/funk band International Sweethearts of Soul, Garden City Samba drummers, Highfield School indie band Easy Lies, and Gaijin, an eight-piece reggae ensemble. Belly dancing from Horizon and the Azimuth completes the entertainment line-up.

Visitors will also be able to explore the new look park with improved play areas, new signs about the history of the area and its flora and fauna, modern toilets, a kiosk serving refreshments and a 119 metre paddling pool and water feature.

Cllr Ian Knighton, NHDC’s portfolio holder for leisure, said: “A lot of work has gone into this project and we’ve already had plenty of people telling us how great the park now looks. This wouldn’t have been possible without lottery funding, and our thanks too go to LDA Design for their work as landscape architects and UPM Tilhill who carried out the improvement works.

“Now, with all the new facilities fully open to the public, we hope that people from Letchworth and beyond can make it to Howard Park and Gardens on the day and join in the celebrations. Who knows, we might even get some sun!”