REVIVED CHESTNUT SUNDAY IS HAILED A ‘FANTASTIC’ SUCCESS
The Chair of the Friends of Bushy and Home Parks today declared the revived version of Chestnut Sunday as a ‘fantastic success.’
Colin Muid told Teddington Town: “It was a fantastic day. The weather was perfect, the arrangements worked like clockwork.
!I estimated around 8 or 9 thousand people came along. I have written to the CEO, Andrew Scattergood CBE, thanking The Royal Parks for organising this revival of part of Bushy Park’s history.
“The participating community groups made it a memorable day.
“The parade was enjoyed by all, even by the people who asked why there were no classic cars, no vintage scooters, and no big military vehicles, when it was explained to them that it was deliberately a more eco-friendly parade without the fossil fuel fumes.
“The terrific displays in the arena and musical performances added a substantial presence to the event, being highly appreciated by the crowds.
“Someone mentioned to the Friends that it was “a wholesome event.”
“They thought it was good for families to come to something where they didn’t have to spend lots of money to enjoy the variety of entertainments on offer.
“Families with young children seemed to be having a wonderful time.
“The Friends’ exhibition, about Camp Griffiss and WWII experience in the park, received over 800 visitors.
“The Royal Parks’ Let Nature Thrive tent was full of visitors all day long, with many children “guessing which poo belonged to which animal.”
“Overall, in my opinion, Chestnut Sunday 2025 was a resounding success.”
Phil Edwards, Park Manager for Bushy Park said: “It was lovely to see the community out in force to the celebrate Chestnut Sunday in Bushy Park.
“The event pays homage to the magnificent blossom of the horse chestnut trees that were planted over 300 years ago.
“On the day, locals enjoyed live music, horse riding demonstrations, a D-Day exhibition and they also had a chance to talk to the team about all things Bushy Park, and what goes into maintaining this wonderful oasis for people and nature.”