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.
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.
. Wonderful Wicksteed Park
The Wall of Death pictured at Wicksteed Park in the late 1990s Photo: ET Pictures (Archive)
. Wonderful Wicksteed Park
The water chute, which opened in 1926, pictured here in the 1980s. Photo: ET Pictures (Archive)
. Wonderful Wicksteed Park
The Mississippi Queen paddle steamer pictured in January 1975 Photo: ET Pictures (Archive)
. Wonderful Wicksteed Park
Chayenne kicks off the 1997 season at Wicksteed Park Photo: ET Pictures (Archive)
. Wonderful Wicksteed Park
A Radio Transmission from the lake at Wicksteed Park Photo: Supplied by Wicksteed Park
. Wonderful Wicksteed Park
The gardening team back in August 2007. Pictures are, from left, Kev Lenton, Michael Clarkson and Bert Woolley, with head gardener Chris Shatford. Photo: Alison Bagley
. Wonderful Wicksteed Park
Retro model boats on the lake 90 years ago. Photo: Supplied by Wicksteed Park
. Wonderful Wicksteed Park
The 2011 Crazy Hats walk at Wicksteed. Pictured are: Rachel Farrow, Dot Makeham, Laura Summers, Lauren Walker, Marlene Summers, and Lucy Tysoe. Photo: Alan Castle
. Wonderful Wicksteed Park
An Early Jazzer at Wicksteed Park Photo: Supplied by Wicksteed Park
. Wonderful Wicksteed Park
The paddle steamer on the lake in 1981 Photo: Northants Telegraph Retro
. Wonderful Wicksteed Park
Locals at the park in1981 - on the train's 50th anniversary Photo: Northants Telegraph Retro
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