Pair’s decade of fun with carnival

MARTIN and Raz have been looking back over 10 years of Oldham Carnival.

OLDHAM Carnival comperes Raz and Martin have gone back to their “rootZ” as this year’s extravaganza marks a decade.

Martin Turner and Anjum “Raz” Raza – who have hosted the event throughout its history – have been taking a trip down memory lane to the first Alexandra Park event to mark its 10th anniversary on July 10.

The duo are renowned for their on-stage banter between band appearance and performers and, back in the day, when the festival first started it was they who skilfully managed to hold the whole thing together.

“In the early days it was difficult to get a full day’s line-up of performers” said Raz.

“Some bands never turned up at all – leaving us with as much as 45 minutes to fill.”

Martin added: “It’s not easy to keep a crowd enthused for long periods, knowing the next band haven’t arrived yet.

“But the two of us managed – even though we couldn’t talk for the next three days.”

Today’s spectacular is a different story and the success of what is now the Oldham Carnival RootZ Stage just keeps on growing.

“We can hardly get a word in these days,” said Raz.

“The bands, dancers and singers are queuing up to get on stage, leaving Martin and myself a little put out as we struggle to find time for them all.”

This year’s stage performers are due to be announced at the end of May.

“It’s fantastic to see local talent take to our stage in such numbers today,” said Martin.

“The acts get better each year and the whole stage team and management group are proud to have helped them all in this way.”

For more details about this year’s Oldham Carnival RootZ Festival, visit www.oldhamcarnival.org.uk or call 0161 284 3826.