A day of events celebrating the 150th anniversary of the opening of Baxter Park will take place next month.
Organisers hope to “recapture the euphoria” of the opening ceremony in 1863 when more than 30,000 people gathered in the park on a specially declared public holiday, following a 7,500-strong procession from Barrack Park via the city centre.
Friends of Baxter Park vice-chairman Kenny Crooks said that, while their celebration on Sunday September 15 was a little more modest, their enthusiasm for what the park represents is no less than that of the original organisers.
He said: “In putting together the celebrations to mark the anniversary, we are trying to recapture and recreate in a small way the euphoria that took over Dundee in September 1863.
“We know from the historic records that there was a procession, pipe bands, brass bands, speeches and a hot-air balloon, and what we have put together for the anniversary is our salute to the original programme.
“In 1863 there were actually cannon salutes from the park but we had to draw the line somewhere.”
Next month’s event, which runs from noon to 4pm, will feature a full-size hot-air balloon on the front lawn and a vintage carnival with coconut shy, test your strength and wooden swing boats.
Dundee Heritage Trust will be running Victorian street games on the terrace and the City of Discovery Brass Band will play in the amphitheatre behind the park centre.
An exhibition of photos and people’s memories of the park will open for public display in the pavilion and the Boomerang Cafe in the west wing will be open for teas, coffees and light snacks.
Mr Crooks added that, in keeping with the original event, a small procession would mark the anniversary.
He said: “Leaving at 1.30pm from Trinity Church in Crescent Street, Mains of Fintry Pipe Band will lead the procession, followed by Lord Provost Duncan, Friends of Baxter Park and a collection of local community groups.
“The procession will make its way along Victoria Street and Arbroath Road, entering the park at the main south gate and proceed across the front lawn, up to the foot of the steps in front of the pavilion.
“Here, a short address will be given by the lord provost.”
Prior to the day, the groups that have registered to participate will be taking part in workshops being held in the park centre, where they will be making banners to identify themselves in the procession.
Mr Crooks said: “Baxter Park is a long-standing, integral part of Maryfield and is treasured by many, many people of all ages, in the local community and across Dundee.
“Personal contributions I’ve received for the exhibition of photos and memories bear testament to the fact that Baxter Park has, and continues to be, a part of growing up in this and surrounding areas and people’s love of the park continues throughout their lives, as they go on to bring their own families here.
“I’ve received some wonderfully vivid recollections from people now in their seventies, going back to their own childhood times in Baxter Park.
“Over £3 million was spent on the renovations that were completed in 2007 and it is due in large part to that investment in the future that the park is as resplendent as it is now, in its 150th year.
“We would also love to see people out on the street, showing their support for the procession.”