Prancing in the rain

Failsworth Carnival, (l-r) Louise Quigley and Denise Goodyear from Charisma Stars

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HEAVY downpours on the first day of Failsworth Carnival did not stop hundreds of families enjoy the festivities.

Despite the heavens opening, a packed procession made its way through Failsworth from the Lord Lane playing fields on Saturday afternoon.

Fabulous floats kept the crowds entertained as did the stalls and entertainment on the field.

Local groups including Failsworth Community Choir, Ruby Slippers dance group, Lollymania and many more performed.

Even the tots were able to have some fun at the bonny baby competition.

The new Mayor and Mayoress of Oldham mayor, Councillor Shadab Qumer and his wife Sobia Arshia led the parade, followed by retiring carnival queen Sophie McCann.

Councillor Qumer said: "The weather has put a dampener on things, but people are looking fantastic. The atmosphere is absolutely brilliant. I'm really privileged to be able to lead the carnival."

Mel Garner, Failsworth Carnival Committee chairman, has been involved with the carnival for 38 years. The carnival is in its 55th year.

Mel said: "I'm very proud. It brings the community together for the two days of the year.

No matter what day we pick it's always raining, but people still come out. It's brilliant.

"The only problem is getting the queens. Girls aren't prepared to put their names forward. When we first started the queens were in their 20s. Now you get girls aged 14 who are queens."

Queens organiser Angie Ainsworth said the past two years have been a struggle for the committee to get girls wanting to be carnival royalty.

Angie, who has been involved with the carnival for 10 years, said: "We were very low on number for entrants this year. We do so much advertising, but girls don't want to come forward.

"All the girls today are excited to be doing it. All the royalty have been absolutely amazing. The parents have all been willing to help and do as much as they can do."

Food for the committee and special guests was provided for by Tesco supermarket this year.

Jean Martin, from the Royal Voluntary Service, led a dozen volunteers to serve the refreshments.

She said: "I've been involved since 1967. We serve the committee and special guests including the queens. It has been good for Failsworth, it always has been. An awful lot of hard work goes into it."

Some attendees also bought tickets for a big prize draw and the winning ticket numbers will be posted on the committee's website and Facebook page with winners contacted in due course.

Treasurer Enid Bell said: "The committee have worked hard to keep the costs down so that the additional income from the gate on Sunday, the estimated income after paying all invoices, should be just over £2,000. This is much better than last year's £100. The committee would like to thank everyone who supported us."

To help out next year contact Angie by emailing angieainsworth06@gmail.com. To volunteer as a committee member can visit failsworthcarnival.btck.co.uk.

• Check out more pictures of Failsworth Carnival on our picture sales page.