Important Update from the PCA for 2024 Events
We have come to a difficult decision regarding 2024 events, having reviewed our plans for the future. We will be taking a sabbatical in 2024 from running our two main events and aim to bring them back in 2025, hopefully with some fresh blood and more community involvement. Party in the Park this year will happen on Sunday, 25th June, with Light up the Lane happening on Sunday, 26th November, with brand new Christmas lights for Pitshanger Lane.
Why? We think the PCA is unusual in that it runs two big events a year, both of which attract up to 5000 attendees. The planning and work that goes into organising these events is massive and is managed by a small handful of committed volunteers who get increasing responsibility placed on them each year thanks to the requirements of Ealing Council and as the events get bigger and better.
As a charity, the PCA uses the surpluses made from our events to support local causes (for example, on legal and planning advice for the fight against the Kenmure Mansions development and the 1 Pitshanger Lane project). We also use them to fund the installation of new Christmas lights and to provide much-needed financial help to local charities and projects.
Light Up the Lane 2021 and Party in the Park 2022 were great successes financially, but last year’s winter event was different - not only did we fear that we wouldn’t get sufficient volunteers to run the event safely, we also made a significant loss for the first time in years thanks to a downturn in crowd-funding. If that were to continue, then the events become unsustainable, and we lose our ability to fund local charities.
We are going to use 2024 as the year to consolidate. We want to review the format and content of our big events whilst also bringing you some smaller events in 2024 that bring the community together.
We offer our heartfelt thanks to our hardworking, committed Events Team and the locals who regularly volunteer.
If you would like to register your interest in becoming involved in any way, please email pca@pitshanger.org.uk. Our AGM is on 4th July 2023 (evening at the Brentham Club), so it is also the opportunity to air your views.