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Celebrating a Year of Community and Fun at Trago: Our 2024 Events Round-Up What a year we’ve had here at Trago!
In 2024, our four stores - Newton Abbot, Merthyr Tydfil, Liskeard, and Falmouth - buzzed with activity, hosting everything from interactive workshops to thrilling family days out. We love bringing people together and sharing new experiences, so let’s take a look back at some of this year’s most memorable moments.
NEWTON ABBOT SPOTLIGHT
Garden Park’s 15th Birthday Bash
On May 4th, Newton Abbot’s Garden Park was positively blooming for one of our biggest celebrations of the year! Surrounded by 12 breath-taking show gardens - each conjured to life by Chelsea Gold Medal Winner, Paul Stone - we marked 15 years of delighting visitors with a grand birthday bash in honour of our beloved Garden Park. The car park sparkled with classic cars, while our licensed pub, tucked away among the greenery, dished out refreshing drinks and snacks. Families revelled in live music and circus skill workshops on the lawn, and little ones bounced with excitement on the inflatables. To top it off, we gifted the first 200 visitors free plants, sprinkling an extra helping of springtime cheer! Beyond the gardens, a massive craft market showcased tasty treats, unique arts, and brilliant crafts. Steve Brooks crooned at the entrance, Deadpool kept everyone on their toes, and a gifted harpist filled the Garden Park with melodic magic. Titan the Robot stunned the crowd with three out-of-this-world shows, while a petting zoo enchanted animal lovers of all ages. Children lit up for Bluey meet-and-greets, burst into giggles during Spangles the clown’s balloon modelling, and cheered to Professor Kevin Hargrave’s Punch and Judy antics. Meanwhile, Matt Rogers from Radio Exe kept the hype humming all day long with his ‘Spin to Win’, handing out fantastic garden furniture and equipment prizes! Green-thumbed guests were in expert hands, thanks to Philip Young, Emma Gunn, and our trusted Lady Horticulturalist, who shared top tips for budding and seasoned gardeners alike. The choir from Big Noise Chorus added a pinch of musical magic to the show gardens and our wonderful network of local businesses brought a whole host of extra activities to keep the day buzzing. Throughout it all, the sun shone bright, our resident peacocks stole the show with their feathery finery, and the leisure park - complete with its ever-popular steam railway - was bursting with excitement. It was truly a day to remember, celebrating both our vibrant show gardens and the fantastic community that makes each trip to Garden Park so very special!
Spotlight on Gardening Across All Stores
Our passion for gardening isn’t limited to the Garden Park Newton Abbot. From lawn care days and hanging basket workshops to pruning demos and our Rose festival, each of our stores offered green-thumbed advice and hands-on sessions throughout the year. Garden machinery demos were especially popular, with expert Calum White from Flymo sharing tips on how to get the best results from your equipment - plus a few exclusive discounts along the way! At the Newton Abbot Show Gardens, on 8th June we held a Show Garden Walk and Talk with horticulturalist Peter Davies (45 years in the plant trade!) and a Picnic in the Show Gardens> a week later. These events provided plenty of inspiration for gardeners of all levels - and a chance to enjoy a cream tea or a picnic among beautiful blooms. We’re so proud of our gardens, in fact, that each year we invite photography enthusiasts to capture their magic, awarding a winning shot that best showcases the beauty of our beloved horticultural spaces. This year’s 2024 winner truly captured the essence of the season, highlighting the bold colours and relaxing atmosphere our visitors enjoy. 
Festive Family Fun Weekends
Newton Abbot went all-out for the holidays with three fabulous Family Fun Weekends throughout December. Guests were treated to an incredible line-up of musical acts—ranging from the lively Exeter Railway Band, Draculin Rock Band, and The Big Noise Chorus, to swinging sets by Paul Black, rousing performances by the DCFS Concert Band, Spectrum Music Wind Band, and the ever-energetic Bandamonium Barbarians. Crowd favourites Steve Brooks, Katy J (Singer/Saxophonist), and Simon Prince (Singer/Guitar Player) also took the stage, while the Oliver Brown Dance Academy wowed audiences with their dynamic routines.
Beyond the music, there was something for everyone. Families laughed along with Punch and Judy, met Bluey and Bingo, and enjoyed Fi’s Face Painting, a whimsical snow globe, and even a Christmas helter-skelter. Spangles the Clown and Professor Bumble kept the giggles rolling, and Josephine’s Stories brought holiday tales to life in cosy storytelling sessions. With three weekends of back-to-back fun, Newton Abbot truly spread the festive cheer far and wide!
Mammoth Strength Club
On August 17th, Newton Abbot flexed its muscles with the arrival of Mammoth Strength Club, transforming the site into a haven for strongmen and strongwomen alike! Visitors could snack on cookies and cakes, grab a fresh brew at the coffee van, or indulge in a slice at the pizza van - all while enjoying live music and a sizzling BBQ. A physio station offered quick tune-ups for those ready to compete, and face painting added a splash of colour to the festivities. Devon’s strongest man and woman were on-hand to showcase their power, and anyone feeling brave could enter the strongman competition themselves. Best of all, like most of Trago’s events, it was completely free to attend, celebrating strength, community spirit, and plenty of fun in the sun!
Halloween Family Fun Day
Newton Abbot hosted a spooktacular Halloween event for families in October! Whirly Me Gigs Wondrous Wizarding academy taught children how to make potions and magic wands, whilst Spangles the clown made balloon animals, and face-painter Louise turned children (and adults!) into vampires and pumpkins! The wonderful Josephine’s Stories enamoured children with their adorable story of Pickle’s Pumpkin Patch and lurking around the store, ready to make everyone jump, were the Gary the Grim Reaper, a Giant Walking Spider, and Day of the Dead Mexican stilt-walkers! Children and adults alike were also able to take a ride on the Flying Broomstick, as our steam train transformed into a magical journey to a Wizard’s potions dungeon, where children enjoyed Professor Alarac Moonspark's potions class. 
MERTHYR TYDFIL SPOTLIGHT
Family Circus Day
On June 9th, Merthyr Tydfil turned into a circus extravaganza! Our Family Circus Day featured carnival rides, the impressive Vander Space Wheel, fire breathers, and even an angle-grinding act. Families thronged the site, soaking in the high-flying fun and unforgettable performances. Once again, all this was free to enjoy! 
Princess and Superhero Day
Summer continued with a magical twist on July 21st, when beloved princesses Belle, Ariel and Cinderella enchanted children alongside superheroes Batman, Spider-Man and Captain America. With face painting, balloon modelling, and even the iconic Batmobile on site, everyone had a blast, including the children, and the children-at-heart! 
Trunk or Treat - Halloween Event
We know Halloween is big over in the States, so we decided to go big here with the very popular Trunk or Treat. An alternative to trick-or-treating, people from the community gather their vehicles together, open up the boot of their cars and decorate them with spooky scenes and themes! There was a prize for the best-dressed car as well as appearances from Wednesday Addams, the three Hocus Pocus witches and The Nightmare Before Christmas’s Jack and Sally. 
Winter Funderland
Our Winter Funderland celebration invited Merthyr to a winter wonderland of fun, with Freemans Funfair bringing rides galore! The Caerphilly Artisan Market drew in the crowds, and appearances from Boutique Entertainment brought smiles to everyone’s faces throughout the Christmas period. Visitors were invited to meet the Big Man himself, Father Christmas, in his Grotto and children were given a gift. We also had in attendance some fantastic food and drink stands, making the experience one to remember!
LISKEARD SPOTLIGHT
Dino Day - August 3rd
Following the success earlier in the year at Merthyr and Newton Abbot, it was Liskeard’s turn to unleash the dinosaurs! Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalists in 2022, Dinomania brought massive roars, captivating shows, and prehistoric fun to our store, with support from South West Garrison and Higher Beings Circus. From walking dinos to interactive storytelling, families loved every thrilling moment and we’re excited to welcome them back in 2025.
Jethro Statue Unveiling
2024 saw Liskeard’s Trago host a fitting tribute to a wonderful man, when we were honoured to be picked to be the permanent home of Jethro's memorial statue. From those who fundraised to make this dream a reality, to local sculptor Richard Austin who made the incredible piece, it was wonderful to see so many friends, family and fans in attendance! Trago are very proud to have been chosen to be the home of this fantastic memorial and welcome our visitors to enjoy Jethro’s company whilst taking a moment to sit back, relax and enjoy the tranquil sounds of the river behind hi Photo: Mike Allsopp, Lieskeard and Looe Radio
Summer Fun Weekend - August 31st
Liskeard also capped off August with a Summer Fun Weekend on 1st September. Families enjoyed appearances from Bluey, Stitch, and Paw Patrol, plus a huge inflatables zone, FREE face painting, a nerf area, and a delicious BBQ. It was the perfect way to make the most of the sunshine and bid farewell to the summer holidays.
Festive Family Fun Weekends
As the days grew shorter, the excitement didn’t wane. Liskeard embraced the festive season with its very own Festive Family Fun Weekends over two magical weekends in December. We welcomed the Bodmin Band, Armed Forces Bikers, St Pinnock Band, Liskeard Lady Singers, More Harmony, and Gracenotes Acapella - all adding a joyful soundtrack to the festivities. Families enjoyed free face painting, storytelling with Josephine’s Stories, visits from Heroes and Villains, and Chloe the Clown. The atmosphere was truly merry and bright!
FALMOUTH SPOTLIGHT
Although our Falmouth store is smaller than its siblings, it still enjoyed a variety of green-fingered fun throughout the year, hosting events like lawncare days, garden machinery demos, the Rose Festival, and Busy Bee Day! Customers and visitors alike relished the chance to learn new tips and tricks from gardening experts.
Festive Family Fun Weekends
As the year wound down, Falmouth embraced the holiday spirit with a series of Festive Family Fun Weekends throughout December. Visitors were serenaded by a Frank Sinatra-style singer, while a stilt-walker brought extra Christmas cheer. Kerry Morris transformed little faces with her painting station, and Jon Martin the magician wowed crowds with his sleight of hand. Meanwhile, Constantine Band and Pendennis Band filled the air with joyful melodies, Cassie from Cornwall Caricatures provided playful portraits, and Wendy introduced her magnificent owl for a unique, up-close encounter. For a smaller store, Falmouth truly captured the festive magic, rounding out 2024 in memorable style.
TRAGO IN THE COMMUNITY
Welsh Blood Service
We like to show our community spirit in every way possible, which is why on July 30th, our Merthyr Tydfil store was proud to partner with the Welsh Blood Service. Customers rolled up their sleeves to donate blood for this lifesaving cause, and we can’t wait to welcome them back again in early 2025.
Charities
As Trago grew from a need to support the local community, offering a variety of products at the lowest prices locally, that ethos has only ever grown. As part of our community relationships, we welcome charities to attend our stores with a stand and leaflet / collect for their cause. Just some of the fantastic causes we have had over our four sites include Cornwall Wildlife Trust, Cornwall Air Ambulance, the RNLI, St Luke's Hospice, Battersea Dogs Home, Guide Dogs, Woodland Trust, Cats Protection, Royal British Legion, Armed Forces Veterans. Macmillan Cancer Support, Ty Hafan and Prostate Cymru. We’re proud of our deep-rooted connection within our local communities and will continue to build on these into and beyond 2025. 
Salmon Hatchery
The 2024-25 salmon season got underway at Trago Liskeard, marked by a visit from Jon Hake of the Liskeard and District Angling Club. Together with the Colliford Salmon Hatchery, we’ve been supporting the vital process of preserving wild salmon in the River Fowey. In 2023, an impressive 38,500 eggs were released back into the St Neot River as juveniles, thanks to the efforts of the Liskeard and District Angling Club, with whom Jon fishes. This remarkable achievement highlights the dedication and collaboration of the local community to sustain and protect the wild salmon population. We are hoping for a similarly successful year in the 2024-25 season!
Pensioner's Pounds Day
It’s something we look forward to every year - as part of our annual Pensioners Week. We invite over 65’s into all four of our stores to give something back to our loyal customers who have been with us for years. Don’t worry you don’t look a day older! The £5 cash or £8 Trago voucher went a long way for some, including the first person through Liskeard’s doors that morning – Sue, pictured below, who shared her touching story with us. 
