A NEW group will manage the Winchester Party in the Park (PITP) this year.

Members of Winchester Party in the Park have attended ‘event management’ training at the university in preparation for the event on July 29.

The university has been a keen supporter and sponsor of the event in Stanmore for a number of years, helping to foster better 'town and gown' relations.

Winchester PITP is a new group taking on more responsibility for organising and managing the event and officers from Winchester City Council have been helping.

Adrian Ingerson, chairman of the group, said: “In previous years the PITP event had been led by A2 Dominion and more recently by Winchester City Council, but it was clear that this could not continue indefinitely. Volunteers involved with supporting the event decided it was time to do something about it so we formed our own group. This is really good news for the event as it makes it more sustainable in the long-term, with the continued support of Winchester residents.”

The new Winchester PITP group is looking longer term and will organise and run other smaller events throughout the year, though PITP will always remain their priority.

However if they are to achieve this ambition then they will need their group to grow, both in terms of numbers and in terms of the skills and experience within the group. The group is therefore looking for people who think they may have relevant skills and experience to join their numbers.

This year’s Party in the Park event will take place at the Somers Close Recreation Ground in Stanmore on Saturday July 29, 12pm and 5pm.