The Duke and Duchess of Westminster join hundreds of visitors to mark 80 years of Westminster Park

Westminster Park marked its 80th anniversary on Saturday 9 May with a celebration that drew hundreds of people to the popular Chester green space, many of them visiting for the very first time.

The Duke and Duchess of Westminster were guests of honour at the free afternoon event, which showcased the range of sports clubs and community organisations that use the park. Made possible through funding from The Duke of Westminster, the event marked eight decades since the Grosvenor family gifted a 999-year lease of the land off Hough Green to the community as a public park for sport and recreation.

The Duke and Duchess began their visit by unveiling plaques for two commemorative trees planted along the park's nature trails, before touring the grounds to meet volunteers and participants from the clubs on display, taking in cricket, football and croquet along the way. In a highlight of the afternoon, the cricket club invited the Duke to join them on the pitch and face a few balls, an invitation he duly accepted.

The pair also unveiled a commemorative board at the park's nine-hole golf course, itself marking its 50th anniversary, having been opened by the Duke's father. They rounded off the celebratory event by presenting prizes to young people who had excelled in the park's activities, including the most improved junior player at Glan Aber Tennis Club. They also viewed a selection of photos as part of Chester Zoo's young environmental photographer competition.

The Lord Mayor of Chester and the Deputy Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council addressed attendees, before the Duke of Westminster spoke of what the park represents to the city and to his family.

The Duke said:

“Walking around today, you can see exactly why Westminster Park matters so much. It is a place to play sport, to meet friends, to bring children, or simply to get some fresh air and clear your head. It supports physical health, mental wellbeing and connection across generations, often in ways people probably do not even stop to think about.

“Today is not just a celebration of the past 80 years, but also a reminder of the commitment that made Westminster Park possible in the first place. What matters most to me is not just that the park has endured, but that it is still serving that original purpose so well.”

Niall Macfadyen of the Friends of Westminster Park, which works with Cheshire West and Chester Council to improve and develop the space, said it had been a record-breaking day for the park:

“It was a fantastic day. I have never seen so many people in the park,” he said. “I am told that many of them had never visited before, which is wonderful to hear. The events put on by all the sports clubs were fantastic, and it was brilliant to see the park at its very best. We are hugely grateful to the Duke and Duchess of Westminster, the Lord Mayor of Chester and the Deputy Leader of the Council for supporting the event and helping to make it such a memorable occasion for everyone who came.”

About Westminster Park

Westminster Park holds Green Flag status, an international award recognising well-managed green spaces. Amenities include nature trails, play areas, an outdoor gym, running circuits, picnic benches and a BMX track. The park is managed by Cheshire West and Chester Council in partnership with the Friends of Westminster Park.

Picture Credit: Ian Cooper Photography.