Hundreds line the streets for Milnrow and Newhey Carnival

Reporter: Jan Harwood
Date online: 09/06/2008

Carnival season has begun in Rochdale, with Milnrow and Newhey carnival kicking off the series of events in traditional fashion. The carnival enjoyed the fine afternoon sun as the parade departed from Haugh Lane, Newhey.

The first carnival of the year took place on Saturday 7 June at 1.00pm, when children, parents, organisers and band members from across Milnrow and Newhey, and beyond, gathered ready for the parade to begin.

The parade was fronted by the Mayor and Mayoress of Rochdale, Councillor Robin Parker and his partner, Mayoress Anni Jones.

They were followed by the Milnrow Band, who sounded out the carnival’s arrival for the hundreds who had lined the streets from Newhey to Hollingworth High School, awaiting the passing of the parade.

Twenty other community organisations joined in the fun, making the parade one of the largest in recent years. The Milnrow Youth Band and the Oldham Pipe Band provided further musical entertainment and the Carnival Princesses followed their carnival tradition of joining in the parade. Three Morris Troops were present, from St.Anns, High Crompton and Milnrow. Regular attenders, the children and staff from Newhey Primary School, were 'all at sea' with their aquatic costumes.

Milnrow Pre-School children were dressed up to suit their theme of 'The English Country Garden'.

The rest of the parade was made up of St. Anns' Guides, who went camping on their float, 'Lets Dance' dance group, and local charity group 'Heartbeat', who provide heart care for the Milnrow community.

The event ended at Hollingworth High School where there was a fairground and activities all afternoon.

The carnival season continues this Saturday, with the Norden parade themed "What's the Story?"