Phew, What a scorcher!

Photo: Pictures by CHRIS SUNDERLAND

Pretty Chealsie Conway, Great Britain carnival princess, caused a stir with her appearance. To buy this picture, call us on 0161 622 2130

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Thousands enjoy a cracker of a carnival

SCORCHING temperatures helped turn a sizzling Alexandra Park into a mass of revellers for the most successful Oldham Carnival since it was brought back to the park four years ago.

Thousands of supporters turned out for a wonderful family weekend, which ran smoothly from the outset with no trouble from anyone.
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Procession preparations started well before noon and the start of the parade on Saturday, when 34 entries stretching over one mile long set off from Kings Road.

It snaked its way along Park Road to the roundabout and down Ashton Road before turning into Honeywell Lane and over the bridge to arrive back at the park gates.

Honeywell Lane bridge was reopened at the 11th hour so the parade could take its customary route after carnival organisers held a meeting with council officials over fears that work on the bridge which closed the road would not be completed in time.

The organisers behind what is now called The People’s Carnival, struck a deal with Oldham —based haulage contractors Kelvin Lord to provide lorries for the floats, and drivers pledged their support for future carnivals.

They carried local clubs and groups, from the Bulldogs ARLFC and Housing Villages — which sported some nifty dance moves from its float, to Oldham Victim Support and Witness Service and Chaddy Hoppers FC, who used special control skills to keep footballs on the vehicle and sink them into nets while on the move.

Supporters of the RSPCA and Pennine Pen animal rescue walked a variety of well-behaved hounds, while other entries danced, sang and cycled their way around the route, collecting for their own charities on the way. Oldham and District mini club celebrated 50 years by entering a fleet of the fun cars in the parade, and Oldham Community Health Services took the opportunity to hand out healthy fruit treats to youngsters eager to see who was next in line.

It took more than an hour for the procession to complete the route, and there was much horn blowing, flag waving, thigh slapping, baton twirling and toe pointing on the way.

For the first time this year, people lining the street fell in behind the procession as it passed and marched in its wake to the carnival field.

Events co-ordinator Paul Davies said: “It was great to see. The parade was excellent as usual, it’s getting better all the time.

There were good crowds on the street, there was a good atmosphere, and lots of smiling faces from people from all backgrounds and cultures.”