Last chance to be a Partygoer

Caption: Chart-topper Example will be one of the star performers at Party in the Park

Music lovers keen to be at the UK’s biggest free pop party will need to move quickly to be in with a chance of securing tickets for this year’s Party in the Park in Leeds.

The deadline for registration of interest for tickets to the event organised by Leeds City Council and 96.3 Radio Aire is 10pm this Sunday (26 June).

Anyone wishing to attend the event at Temple Newsam Park on Sunday 31 July featuring chart-toppers JLS, Jay Sean, Jessie J, The Wanted, Example and Tinchy Stryder needs to log on to www.radioaire.com/party-in-the-park.

Applications can be made for a maximum of FOUR free tickets per household (not per person as in previous years) under the new ballot system introduced this year which is similar to those used for Glastonbury, Wimbledon and the London 2012 Olympics to ensure everyone has a fair and equal chance of obtaining tickets. Once the deadline of 10pm on Sunday 26 June has passed, no further applications will be accepted.

Leeds residents will receive priority on all tickets which will be selected at random with the successful applicants being informed by email by 10pm on Friday 1 July.

The named applicant can then pick up their tickets from the reception of 96.3 Radio Aire on Burley Road weekdays 8am to 6pm and Saturdays 10am to 2pm between Monday 4 July and Friday 29 July using proof of ID and their address.

Anyone without access to the internet can use the free computer facilities in all Leeds libraries and the Leeds Visitor Centre to make their application.

Leeds City Council executive member for leisure Councillor Adam Ogilvie said:

“We have another fantastic line-up for Party in the Park this year so make sure you have registered for the chance to be there to enjoy it. The event is always one of the highlights of the year in Leeds and we look forward to it being another wonderful day out with 70,000 people having a great time.”

96.3 Radio Aire station director Anthony Gay said:

“We’ve had a fantastic response to this year’s event and I know that the artists are all looking forward to performing in Leeds. Party in the Park has become a genuine highlight of the year in the UK music industry.”

Further details of the new ticketing system and full instructions of how to register including a useful frequently asked questions page is available at the new official Party in the Park website www.radioaire.com/party-in-the-park

Anyone with any accessibility issues or general concerns relating to the ticketing system can also contact Leeds City Council’s events team on 0113 395 0891 or by email events@leeds.gov.uk

Notes to editors:
A Leeds resident is someone who lives in a property registered for Council Tax with Leeds City Council - it is not determined by postcode.

ENDS

For media enquiries please contact:
Roger Boyde, leisure media relations officer,
Tel 0113 247 5472, email: roger.boyde@leeds.gov.uk

City centre parking charges to be reduced

Parking charges could be halved in some areas of the city centre if council plans get the go-ahead.

The proposals, put forward by Leeds City Council, are aimed at supporting city centre retailers and businesses by encouraging visitors to the city and tackling congestion in the centre.

Every year the council reviews parking charges to ensure prices are adjusted to respond to changes in supply and demand. This year the supply of city centre parking provision has increased with the addition of ten new privately owned car parks. Problems with the wider economy have also contributed to the drop in demand.

If the proposals get the go-ahead, the new charges will come into force in July this year. Although some charges for high demand city centre spaces will increase, others will remain the same or be reduced by up to 50 per cent.

Highlights of the proposals include:
• There is now a pound an hour charge on some Saturday spaces (900). This is a 50 per cent reduction for shorter stays.
• A 50 per cent reduction in a further 275 spaces in Holbeck at only £2.20 for all day.
• More flexible times – for example the council now offers two hours at Quarry Hill car park for dance classes at Northern Ballet.
• Free parking in evenings and on Sundays will continue.

A spokesman for Leeds City Council said:
“These proposals are aimed at striking a balance between tackling congestion in the city centre and encouraging shoppers and visitors to the city to boost businesses and retailers.

“Rather than bring about a general increase on all charges, we’ve carried out an in-depth review looking at parking provision street by street. This is to make sure our charges are fair and that they reflect supply and demand.

“Rather than just put prices up, we're proposing a significant cut in many prices. Saturday is the main shopping day so we've gone to £1 an hour in 900 central spaces, which is a 50% cut for short stays. Sundays and evenings remain free. We hope that adjusting prices like this will increase demand and therefore increase the economic vibrancy of the city.”

Different tariffs are imposed with council parking areas to differentiate between areas of high turnover, short stay parking use and long stay commuter parking.

Under the new proposals, while some parts of the city centre will see charges reduce, there are slight increases proposed in the south central part of the city centre, particularly where new development has greatly increased the demand for spaces.

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For media enquiries please contact:
Sara Hyman, Leeds City Council press office tel: (0113) 224 3602
Email sara.hyman@leeds.gov.uk