Belle Vue Park in Lowestoft set to mark 150th anniversary

Originally called Arboretum Hill, but quickly changed to Belle Vue, Lowestoft's first public park was opened in 1874.

Memories and photos of Belle Vue Park in Lowestoft are sought. Picture: Lowestoft Town Council (Image: Lowestoft Town Council)

And to celebrate Belle Vue Park's 150th anniversary on May 28, a call has gone out for photos and memories of the historic landmark.

Lowestoft Town Council is encouraging locals to be a part of the celebrations by submitting their photos of the park throughout the years.

The Tommy statues previously in the poppy memorial Remembrance Garden at Belle Vue Park, Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

A town council spokesman said: "On May 28 2024, Belle Vue Park will be celebrating its 150th anniversary of being officially opened as Lowestoft's first public park.

"To mark the occasion we are inviting people to share their favourite pictures and memories to be collated in an online gallery with a few being displayed within the park.

Belle Vue Park in Lowestoft. Picture: Newsquest (Image: Archant © 2018)

"These photos can be historical or current and show how the park has changed over the years, landmarks of the park, events or people enjoying the area.

On May 28, 2024, Belle Vue Park will be celebrating its 150th anniversary of being officially opened as Lowestoft's first public park. Picture: Lowestoft Town Council (Image: Lowestoft Town Council)

"We have already seen a wealth of photos shared on social media and hope to collate the submissions into a digital gallery with some being printed up and displayed within the park on the anniversary."

The park was opened in 1874 after two members of the Lowestoft Improvement Committee, William Youngman and William Rix Seago, turned an idea into reality - with open common land chosen to create what they described as "a symbol of Lowestoft's growing civic pride."

The reopening of the historic Jubilee Bridge in Lowestoft in February this year. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

Within the park there is a thatched cottage, the 19th century Jubilee Bridge spanning the Ravine, the memorial for the Royal Naval Patrol Service, the RNPS Belle Vue Park Cemetery and memorial plaques to Tom Crisp VC and David Parr.

The memorial was unveiled in Belle Vue Park, Lowestoft in 2022. Picture: Philip Mummery (Image: Philip Mummery)

With an assortment of trees and winding pathways, the park is "laid out in the style of a formal pleasure ground."

It also includes a poppy designed Peace Garden and the Rose Garden memorial garden.

Photos should be submitted to admin@lowestofttowncouncil.gov.uk with a brief description and, if applicable, any personal attachment to it.