Carnival a washout

THE rain-sodden carnival site in Alexandra park

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IT certainly rained on the big parade ­ with the weekend's teeming rain forcing organisers to call off Oldham Carnival.

The event was set for yesterday at Alexandra Park, however organisers decided the waterlogged ground was unsuitable following torrential rain and called it off the day before.

But all the hard work and organisation will not be going to waste as a new date has been scheduled, September 18, and along with it the hope of better weather!

Hundreds of families had been expected to visit Oldham Carnival Rootz Festival with local music and performances scheduled to entertain crowds from 11am - 6.30pm as well as a dry ice rink to test their skills.

A Facebook message from organisers Paul Davis and Lyn Booth on Saturday read: "I am sorry to have to make this announcement but unfortunately the Organisers of Oldham Carnival have made the decision to cancel tomorrow's event due to weather conditions and the park grounds being water logged and unsuitable for any activities.

"The whole show is cancelled.

"Fairground main stage bands etc, all food and side stalls dancing troupes everything.

"Oh dear what a calamity THIS FLIPPING WEATHER so very sorry everyone devastated but as you will all understand these circumstances are beyond anyone's control."

The torrential rain has also ended chances of seeing the dog show - organised by the Manchester and Cheshire Dogs home - and the UK Dance Troop Championships which would have seen up to 30 regional and national teams compete.

The fun fair and food stalls have also been cancelled.

However there was better news for petrolheads and bargain hunters as Sunday's Vintage Car Show and Market hit the town centre.

A collection of stunning cars ranging from kit cars to war vehicles and a pristine Rolls Royce lined Yorkshire Street during the car show which had enthusiasts purring.

The weather had threatened to spoil the day, with the Oldham Carnival but this was not to be the case.

Mayor Derek Heffernan, said: "It is lovely to be here and see these beautiful old cars.

"Unfortunately I remember most of them which gives something away!

"I think Oldham Council does a great job in putting these town centre shows on and I look forward to events coming up over the next few weeks."

The Vintage Market, organised by Roots, Suits and Boots, provided some retail therapy with jewellery, fashion, and various crafts as well as live music from local bands.

Mick Harwood, from Scoots, Suits and Boots, said: "It's going fantastic, there has been more people down here this time, it's worked well with the cars.

"We've had lots of positive feedback, we've seen lots of familiar faces and we're raising money for teenage cancer trust and that is going well."Even the weather has been kind today, we're having a great day and we're enjoying it."