Dartford’s Big Day Out 2024
Report written by Chris Warrell for our Autumn 2024 Newsletter
Saturday 13 July 2024
Central Park
Dartford
We were invited to the Dartford Big Day Out on 13th July. It took place in Central Park, only a few minutes’ walk from the station. That suited Les Chatfield and me since we both came by train.
The invitation to participate came a bit late to publicise fully so the only other member attending was Frank Paine.
We had our own small tent in front of the main marquee, so we had a good view of the field which housed the classic buses and cars, along with traction engines, motorcycles, fire engines and other vehicles.
The stage was in a different part of the park so we weren’t bothered by the sound from it, although all the acts I briefly saw were quite lively and attracted a large crowd.
Two of the traction engines on display
Frank had brought dealers models of a Ferris wheel and windmill along with Adrian Ashford’s single deck bus. Les had a dive bomber fairground ride which he placed on the trolley used to transport it. This was positioned outside the tent and made an eye catching display. I had the rotating aerodrome, crazy golf, ping pong roller and tractor.
Outside our tent
Banners and posters were fixed to the tent and quite a number of flyers were taken. Initially, many of the public seemed reluctant to enter the tent, which was only open at the front, but once the park filled up, we had plenty of visitors. The good weather probably helped, although it was cloudy all day, but quite warm.
Our models on display inside our tent
A couple of unexpected bonuses were some vouchers giving £1.00 off food and drinks and some money to cover travel expenses.
Next year’s event is planned for 12th July. Hopefully they’ll give us a larger tent.