Lowestoft's first free public park is set to mark a special anniversary next week.

A special series of events will celebrate a memorable milestone as the 150th anniversary of Belle Vue Park is marked this year.

Lowestoft Journal: Belle Vue Park in Lowestoft - the town's first free public park - is set to mark a memorable milestone next month. Picture: Lowestoft Town CouncilBelle Vue Park in Lowestoft - the town's first free public park - is set to mark a memorable milestone next month. Picture: Lowestoft Town Council (Image: Lowestoft Town Council)

Back in 1874 the first public park to open in Lowestoft was unveiled.

Originally called Arboretum Hill, but quickly changed to Belle Vue, the park was opened after two members of the Lowestoft Improvement Committee, William Youngman and William Rix Seago, turned an idea into reality - as open common land was chosen to create what they described as "a symbol of Lowestoft's growing civic pride."

And with 2024 marking the park's 150th anniversary Lowestoft Town Council is organising a series of events in celebrating the historic landmark.

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

Next Tuesday, May 28 popular local historian Ivan Bunn will be holding a series of historic walks around the park, telling of its 150-year history.

An interactive photo trail - using photos and memories submitted by local residents and visitors - will capture the changing landscape, landmarks and personal memories of the park.

A town council spokesman added: "The Commonwealth War Graves Commission will also have an information point whilst the Lowestoft Town Hall Project will be delivering children's craft activities throughout the day.

"These events will start from 10.30am and run through the afternoon.

"Each event and activity is free."

With a large number of photographic and memories submitted to mark the anniversary, the town council said that "an interactive photo gallery telling the story of the park" will also be available online.

"Later in the year, a new history information panel will be unveiled in the park", the town council spokesman added.

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.

As well as an assortment of trees and winding pathways, the park also includes a poppy designed Peace Garden and the Rose Garden memorial garden.