Best carnival yet is boast of organisers

Even bigger and better — that is the pledge from Oldham’s Carnival organisers as the countdown begins to August’s two-day event.

Dubbed The People’s Carnival, it was revived by a new committee in 2005, and has since gone from strength to strength.

And this year’s carnival could beat the record as the loudest ever because organisers are giving away over 2,000 whistles to children.

Paul Garforth from the management team said: “It’ll be the noisiest carnival yet.”

Famous 80s pop duo Black Lace are the headline attraction on the main stage in Alexandra Park, which is already full of top local acts. The Tesco Extra store in Huddersfield Road has joined the sponsors, and will have a major presence in the parade and the park where it will have its own marquee.

The traditional parade on Saturday, August 7 is still open to more floats — last year 34 entries stretched a mile around the streets of Oldham after the start in Kings Road.

And Kelvin Lord Transport company is offering trucks free to anyone who can’t arrange their own.

Parade judges will be at a secret location en route looking for the overall best carnival entry, best float, best non-float entry and best dance troupe.

Oldham’s Indian community will take part with colourful costumes and dance in the large marquee and at the Lion’s Den.

The Spirit of Africa Circus will be giving three free shows in its 400-seat big top on the Sunday.

And there will be free camel rides throughout Sunday.

The carnival has been moved to August to avoid a clash with England’s World Cup campaign.

The last weekend in June has been the traditional date for the extravaganza.

Organisers have moved it to August and hope that there will also be better weather and improved conditions for the horticultural shows. A major aim of the carnival — apart from two days of fun — is to raise money for charity and groups can have a stall in the park for free, but must register first via the carnival website.

Both entertainment stages and the food stalls are full, but for more information about the parade and group, craft and commercial stalls contact the website on www.oldhamcarnival.org.uk  

This year’s sponsors also include the OIdham Chronicle, Renault Oldham, Blue Tiffin restaurant, Oldham Council, the Community Foundation, Oldham Deaf Diverse Community, Hathershaw Community Sports Centre and Prestige Signz.