Sun shines as Radcliffe Carnival and parade returns

The carnival, which took place at Redbank Playing Fields this weekend, has become a staple in Radcliffe and is celebrating more more than 50 years in the town.

The occasion was also marked by it’s annual parade which saw Radcliffe Borough Juniors FC on their float, majorettes, Oldham Scottish Pipe Band, and Vintage Vehicles march a route taking them through Pilkington Road, Blackburn Street and Church Street West and back again.

A marching band led the parade at Radcliffe Carnival on Saturday (Image: Isabel Oldman/Newsquest)

Due to an unexpectedly busy weekend in Greater Manchester owing in part to the FA Cup final between Manchester City and Manchester United, the parade began at the earlier time of 1pm and had a slightly smaller route.

However, this did nothing to dampen spirts as residents and carnival-goers lined the streets to watch the marchers go passed, cheering and taking photos as they went by.

Radcliffe Borough Juniors FC had their own float in the parade (Image: Isabel Oldman/Newsquest)

Carnival chair Amanda Rhead said a bigger effort had been made this year to encourage people back to the playing fields to enjoy the carnival following the parade.

The carnival featured its regular selection of fairground rides, stalls and refreshments but also showcased a number of new, musical acts including as Samba band Suco Samba, Rock and Roll group The Tenderfoot Waltz and Bollywood dancing from Sasha de Shiva.

The parade feature a number of musicians, dancers and performers, including majorettes (Image: Isabel Oldman/Newsquest)

Another new event this year was the Barking Mad Dog show which invited residents to enter their furry friends into categories including Golden Oldie, Most Mischievous and of course, Best in Show.

One prize went to Miniature schnauzer, Tilly Booth. Her owner’s, Mark, Nathan and Catherine Booth said it was their first time at the carnival.

Nathan, Catherine and Mark Booth with winning dog, Tilly (Image: Isabel Oldman/Newsquest)

Mark Booth, 54, said: “It was great, we really like it, we got quite emotional when Tilly won.”

Paul Bridge, 49, came to the carnival with his son Jordan, 29 and grandson, Parker, aged three.

The family also came to the carnival for the first time this year and said it had been ‘a great turn out.’

Amanda Rhead said she felt pleased with how this year's event turned out and is looking to make it ‘bigger and better’ in the years to come.

Three generations of the Booth Family, Paul, 49, Jordan, 29 and Parker, 3 at the carnival (Image: Isabel Oldman/Newsquest)

She said: “I am pleased with it this year, especially considering the short space of time we had to organise it.

“Everyone came out with a smile on their face, the sun was shining for us, we tried to put on as much as we could.

“It’s the community spirit for me, everyone in Radcliffe comes together.

Military vehicles and displays featured at the parade and carnival (Image: Isabel Oldman/Newsquest)

“We’re always trying to improve year on year and we’re looking for new committee members.

“I want to say a huge thank you to the volunteers as without them we wouldn’t have been able to do this.

“A huge thank you to everyone who turned out.”