A tranquil Vale Park in New Brighton, no date

Shoulder pads and skirt lengths suggest it was the 40s. A few chaps about and babies - just after the end of WWII?

Wonder if the baby in the black pram has done one? Dad's certainly keeping it at arm's length...

Good Caption.... that could be why everyone on the bench are looking at him then!

Dad's probably the culprit but he's trying to blame the baby...

Just found out it was 1948

I know that it's the way that the imaage looks and a certain element of "rose-tinted specs" but could you imagine that many people sitting and quietly enjoying a Park like that now. It'd be full of youths mouthing off, litter everywhere, dog sh*t and the band-stand would be covered in grafitti......

To be fair, Vale Park hasn't changed all that much. It's still a great spot to stroll around and the cafe is very popular (just try getting a table outside when the weather is nice). I very seldom see litter or dog dirt lying around, inspite of how many dog walkers visit the park.

It's a gem of a place, and the little gallery inside Vale House and the local history info they provide all contribute to the popularity of the place. You'd be surprised how many people still go to hear bands at the bandstand.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/wonkyknee/3635748434/

Here's a rare old picture of the bandstand being built in 1924:

http://www.20thcenturyimages.co.uk/trolleyed/4/21/1956/index.htm

They also have Fairy Weddings!

Is that Vale Park bandstand, granny? It looks like a scene from a play. When was it taken?

And to think the Council tried to sell it off as a Nursing Home development!

It is Vale Park taken I think 2008, no later. It was a mock up Fairy Wedding,like a play, and photographs to be used for making a book. but I don't think it got off the ground after that.

...those jackets look a bit Austin Powers, don't you think? Talk about psychedelic!

All hand made 'Livery' style.
Thing is it's not very easy to see them, as they only allowed fleeting glimpses before they shrunk in size again.

Old curtains?

Absolutely not! Watch out for the little folk, they can hear you.

"The woodland is alive, and the fairy courtiers dressed in their livery jackets, have appeared outside the centre of the Wood, high on an ancient mound. They raised their long trumpets towards the sky and heralded a most magnificent trumpet call, for the attention of all the creatures everywhere. They wish to make a grand announcement about the 'Royal Fairy Wedding' that is to take place later today"

And they were there, in Vale Park.

I'll have what she is having!

Make mine a double!!!

You think I'm joking, oh thee of little faith.

Sorry Pablo, Good original post, sorry we all get a bit carried away with the fairies. They won't be back after this.

If you look very carefully at the background of the 'Days and Moments' picture there's someone on the hillside pushing a bike.

Wonder if it's an "Elf & Safety" officer checking up on Vale Park?

I think you're right, Geekus, and it looks as if the fairy at the left of the group has spotted him. Next, she'll be warning the others to hide the "herbs".

You talking about 'pots' again?

The next time you two ..Sherlock Gnomes and The Herbie Fairie are in Vale Park, just try to find that tree. It's obviously watched many a Changeling being pushed in a pram over the years, but I bet you can't find it!

If by any small chance you do find it, I would love to hear from you.

It looks almost too big to be any of the trees in Vale Park. I wouldn't be surprised if that particular tree hasn't been superimposed for effect.

It is there, in Vale Park.

Don't forget, faeries are only tiny.

The Tower from Vale Park

Vale Park

Vale Park with the new Bandstand

Vale Park

Building the Bandstand

Briiliant picture! What date?

I have a copy of this photo dating it as 1924 .

Hi all I don't know if it's common knowledge on here But the band stand at vale park is under threat. The council are doing a survey to see how safe it is and due to this many local events have been cancelled till further notice. There is a page setup on Facebook with further info if people could like it and show support that would be great, many thanks. Matt :-)

Save Vale Park Band Stand

Gawd, is nothing safe???

Would it be ok to start a fresh post about this? If so, where is best?? Thanks again, Matty