Reign of the parade

Oldham Carnival 2010 hailed ‘best ever’

DELIGHTED organisers have hailed this year’s Oldham Carnival as the best yet.

The People’s Carnival Management Group, in charge for the past five years, said up to 30,000 visitors flocked to the event in Alexandra Park over the weekend of August 7 and 8, with a maximum of 4,000 in the park at any one time.

This year’s parade entries were praised for creating a wonderful atmosphere despite the pouring rain on Saturday, while the floats were deemed the best decorated to date. A total of 38 live performances took to both the the Main Stage and the Lion’s Den in Alexandra Park, with music ranging from rockabilly to reggae and from Indian dance to indie.

And the range of free field events, including camel rides and land trains, proved a real success among visitors of all ages.

Paul Davies, event director, said: “There was always a queue for the camel rides and lots of children had their photos taken on them.”

He said that the atmosphere on both days was relaxed and friendly with a wide mix of people, especially families and couples, attending the fun-filled event.

Mr Davies added: “We believe this event was the most family-oriented of the five we have organised to date.

“It was difficult to turn anywhere without meeting a smiling face.

“As a multi-cultural event we feel it exceeded our expectations.

“There was a genuine feeling — backed up by feedback throughout the weekend — that it was good to see so many communities from the borough in one place enjoying the same entertainment in the same space.”

He added that Alexandra Park was an excellent venue for festivals.