Strongmen thrill crowds at Melton's first Power in the Park event

Organisers of Melton’s first Power in the Park were ‘thrilled with it how it went’ on Saturday and plan to make it an annual event.

Large crowds gathered in the Play Close park to watch contestants compete on a variety of strength and fitness challenges, such as deadlifting a car, towing a truck and flipping a massive tyre.

There was a great atmosphere in the park with lots of stands set up selling a range of goods and serving food and drink to the many families who attended.

Organiser Lee Freer, who is also chair of Melton BID, was one of those who took on the power activities, which entertained the crowd for several hours.

Scott Lansdowne, the overall winner of the first Power in the Park event, takes part in the tyre flipping race against the clock

Afterwards, he told the Melton Times: "For the town of Melton this was an amazing event and we were thrilled with how it turned out.

"We had some fantastic local businesses in attendance and we have already received a great amount of positive feedback.

"This was a really family-orientated day and seeing so many families in attendance was really positive.

"To say the competitors put on a show was an understatement, seeing the winner lift the car deadlift an impressive 31 times was something special to see.”

The scene in Play Close during Power in the Park with the stands and children's entertainment

Scott Lansdowne, a former professional heavyweight boxer, won the overall Power in the Park title with 53 points, just edging out Scott Taylor by a point, with Finley Wright third on 45.

Co-organiser and power contestant, Fraser Mann, owner of Steelyard Gym and Fitness, said: “The event went better then expected, we had an amazing crowd and all who took part thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

"We had great feedback and this event will be back next year, bigger and better.”

Organisers thanked fourtimes World’s Strongest Disabled Man, Pete Linnett, and local disabled female strength athlete, Claire Lawrence, for their demonstrations, special guest referee and strongman, Dean Maden, and volunteer host on the PA, local man Karl.

Organiser and competitor Lee Freer (right) prepares to take part in the tyre flip race at Melton's first Power in the Park event

Local business owner Yolanda Chika gave a fire breathing display and the cast of the wedding singer also performed.

Sponsors were: Steel Yard Gym & Fitness, Melton BID, Cotswold Wills, The Grange Garden Centre & Restaurant, Sign Right Creative, Xplosive Ape,

Davies Salvage Car Breakers, DVS Commercials, William Hercocks.