More than 1,500 people attend unique garden party at Pinces Gardens
Published: 24 May 2024
More than 1,500 visitors attended a vibrant garden party at Exeter’s Pinces Gardens to celebrate the local community and the 134-year-old magnificent wisteria which is now in full bloom.
The Wisteria Garden Party was a free and uplifting event packed with entertainment in Pinces Gardens on Sunday 19 May.
The community event was hosted by Cowick Roots and Recreation and funded by The Norman Family Trust and Exeter City Council, with kids entertainment sponsored by Cartridges Law.
The amazing wisteria arch has been delighting visitors since Victorian times – the bloom is one of the highlights of the year in Pinces Gardens, and a great asset to the community.
The family-friendly event was a chance for people to come together and enjoy free entertainment and activities aimed at all ages, and celebrate the wisteria in bloom.
Sue Taylor, Chair of Cowick Roots and Recreation, said: “This event came together through our group’s shared love of Pinces Gardens.
“It celebrated the beautiful wisteria and the sense of community in St Thomas. We were thrilled that so many of the community joined us for a day filled with pure joy, enjoying this glorious park and at the heart of our community. People brought chairs, rugs, tents and picnics and simply enjoyed a day of entertainment and relaxation.”
The event featured:
Storytellers and performances to suit all ages
Indie market with local crafters
Fun activities for kids including a Punch and Judy show, Circus Skills and graffiti workshop
Wild flower crown-making
The Birdhouse Singers
May Flower Parade through the Wisteria led by Border Morris dancers - Otter Morris
Sue added: “We have been overwhelmed by the feedback from the local community.
“We’ve received a lot of appreciation for how much of the event was free to enjoy. Our aim was to make this event as accessible as possible for everyone.
“It wasn't about making money, but about enjoying our green spaces and coming together as a community. This was only possible thanks to the financial support we received, for which we are incredibly grateful.”
She thanked the dedicated team of volunteers, without whom the event would not have been possible.
The beautiful wisteria arch in Pinces Gardens has been a focal point for the community since the 1880s. This May, the wisteria is looking as good as ever, with its colourful blooms.
The City Council purchased Pinces Gardens in 1912, converting it into a ‘pleasure ground’.
The site had previously been one of Exeter’s first famous nurseries owned by William Lucombe, featuring an Italian Garden and later replaced with vast glasshouses packed with orchids and rare palms.
The 1880s saw another transformation with the installation of the 45-yard long wisteria arch which has been maintained until the present day.