Charles Wicksteed was a playground pioneer, and put fun at the heart of all his endeavours.
His lasting legacy, Wicksteed Park, still welcomes thousands of visitors every year more than 100 years on from when it was founded.
Many of the rides at the Kettering park were the first of their kind and the water chute is the oldest remaining log flume of its type.
So if you’re planning a trip to the park this summer, take a look at these old pictures from the archives to see how generations before you enjoyed summer at wonderful Wicksteed.

29. Wonderful Wicksteed Park
2010, when the Roberts Brothers Circus arrived at Wicksteed Park. Pictured are performers Anya Stafanyuk (sister) , Shanie Bewley (ringmaster), Liana Stefanyuk (sister) and, front, clown Roman Stefanyuk (dad). Photo: Alison Bagley

30. Wonderful Wicksteed Park
The 2019 Soap Box Derby at Wicksteed Park Photo: Alison Bagley

31. Wonderful Wicksteed Park
Nish Kumar and James Acaster filiming at Wicksteed Park with Wicky Bear and a goat named after James in August 2022. Photo: ALISON BAGLEY PHOTOGRAPHY


