Children’s Fun Day and Carnival Weekend in Castleton

Date published: 21/07/2004

Carnival time is fast approaching with more events than ever to complement the traditional Sunday parade to Springfield Park on Sunday 25 July.

On Saturday 24 July the children take centre stage with a bumper fun day at Springfield Park, midday to 4.00pm with races, bouncy castles and face painting, and a car boot sale, with places available on the day. A Karaoke at the George and Dragon pub, Manchester Road will round off the day's festivities from 7.30pm.

On Sunday there is the traditional parade, with floats, fancy dress and the carnival royal family.

The fun starts at 11.20am with the judging of the Best Fancy Dress on Parade. Entrants can still make a late bid for the most elaborate fancy dress costume on the day.

Then from 11.30am the parade will assemble at Chesham Avenue for the judging of the floats and cars.

The parade sets off at 1.00pm, led by Rochdale’s mayor, Councillor Angela Coric. The floats travel along Manchester Road, turning left at Sudden roundabout for Springfield Park.

The parade will arrive at Springfield Park around 2.30pm with various displays during the afternoon and the organizers are looking for an Aerobic Club to do a ½ hour display.

There will be fairground attractions, games and stalls there and donkey and miniature train rides are also on offer this year.

Carnival secretary Frank Cryer said, "Now is when everything gets very hectic for us with a lot to do. We are hoping for the usual strong participation from the community to make it a success."

Several shops in Manchester Road plan get in on the act this year by displaying banners and getting staff dressed up.