Sun shines for festival-goers

BALANCING act . . . Evelynn Jennings

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FAMILIES flocked to the annual Hollinwood Together festival to enjoy rides, entertainment and stalls on a sunny Sunday afternoon.

The event began with a service at St Margaret's, Hollinwood, before a parade of church members, beavers, cubs and brownies made their way to Limeside Park, led by Oldham Scottish Pipe Band.

Once at the festival, which this year had a theme of "summer", families could enjoy giant bouncy slides, spinning teacup rides and music.

Sharon Knight, who took her son Oliver (8), a St Margaret's beaver, to the event, said they enjoy the festival.

She said: "We come every year. It's a great event where everyone can get together and spend time as a community.

"All the children love taking part in the parade and they really enjoy all the activities."

One of the activities families could enjoy on the day was badge making with Limehurst Art Society. Shonagh Ingram, project manager, said that since the group began in April, more than 400 people had taken part in one of their activities and they were hoping to tell more people about the group during the event.

She said: "We made sun hats and umbrellas for people to use in the parade and we're hoping people will come and find out more about us."

Also taking part in the event were a variety of support organisations and charities, all aiming to raise awareness of their work.

Kath Hodgins, fundraiser for Manchester's Donkey Assisted Therapy Centre, said: "We come every year as it's a great event and we always have a lot of people asking about the donkeys and finding out more.

"The day is a lot of fun."

The festival was officially opened by Father David Hawthorn and the mayor of Oldham, Councillor Derek Heffernan.

Councillor Heffernan said: "As the mayor of Oldham it is a great pleasure to go around and met the people of Oldham at events like this.

"It is a fantastic day and shows that Oldham is a fantastic place to live and work."

Organiser of the festival and Hollinwood Hub co-ordinator, Sarah Furbey, was also pleased with how the event went.

She said: "We've been keeping a close eye on the weather all week as we've seen a few events cancelled recently due to bad weather but we are delighted to be able to go ahead.

"It's great that so many people have come down to enjoy the day and a lot of people have got involved."

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