Carnival with the wow factor

Roy Wood, Kath Pennington and Christina Burgess from the 17th Manchester Rainbows Float

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FAILSWORTH Carnival was hailed a huge success as fun-seekers flocked to the two-day event.

The festivities kicked-off on Saturday with a colourful parade led by the Mayor and Mayoress of Oldham, Councillors Ateeque Ur-Rehman and Yasmin Toor.

They shook a bucket and tin to collect donations from spectators as they were followedby Oldham Band (Lees).

Failsworth Carnival Queen Sammy Jo-Proctor (15) headed up a procession of queens and princesses, followed by dancing troupes and majorettes in an array of bright costumes.

Karate club members, showing off their medals, were also among those who walked the route while the floats included gospel singers and energetic Zumba dancers.

Other colourful themes for the floats included Charlie and Chocolate Factory, complete with Oompa Loompas, The Jungle Book and Alice in Wonderland.

They proved a hit with first-time carnival visitors and cousins Lillie (7), Ava (5) and one-year-old Giselle Earle.

“They like the baton twirling and want to join the Rainbows,” said Lillie and Ava’s mum, Alison Earle.

The fun continued at Lord Lane playing fields with a funfair and plenty of community and charity stalls. Failsworth Band played while a range of people were interviewed by Oldham Community Radio — including one visitor from France.

Chadderton Sub Aqua Club’s stall was a hit with its boat, which members use for dives trips in the North Sea. People could also try out a diving mask and oxygen mouthpiece by dunking their head in a bowl of water.

Visitors were also impressed with members from the Cross Fit Northern Soul fitness sessions at Ivy Mill, Failsworth — some showing off their weight-lifting skills. And they were keen to see Deon Roache from Bury-based Music For Young People who created bespoke graffiti inspired T-shirts using spray paint.

The crowning of the carnival queen and dance troupe competitions also took place on Saturday while Sunday was billed as a family fun-day with attractions such as a bonny baby competition, an It’s A Knock Out competition, an appearance by Elsa from “Frozen” and entertainment.

Carnival treasurer Enid Bell thinks around 1,000 more people attended over the two days than last year.

She added: “It’s been a really successful weekend and the weather has been really kind, apart from the wind on Saturday.

“We had a lot of people on the field on Saturday and the entertainment on the stage on Sunday was very popular.”