ONE of Yorkshire's most famous barmaids is travelling over the Pennines to enjoy the VIP treatment at Adlington Carnival.
Actress Tricia Penrose, who stars as Gina in the popular TV drama Heartbeat, will be joined over the festival weekend by former EastEnders star Craig Fairbrass who was Dirty Dan Sullivan in the top soap.
Tricia will meet the crowds and crown the queen and princess on Saturday, August 10, while Craig will be there the next day.
The two celebrities follow in the footsteps of many stars who have appeared at the village's premier event over the years, including Frank Bruno, Julie Goodyear and Cannon and Ball.
To plan for the event, at the Jubilee playing fields, the carnival committee has appointed Lord Dougie Hoyle of Warrington as president, following the death of Idris Rees, and Alan Birtwistle is the new vice-president.
The committee is looking for more budding cooks to join the Jubilee Chef competition which is being held at three of the area's biggest festivals this summer.
Blackrod, Horwich and Adlington carnivals have joined together to present the contest, based on TV's Masterchef and Ready Steady Cook programmes.
Heats will take place at each of the carnivals, culminating in a grand final at Adlington Carnival on Sunday, August 11.
Entrants will prepare dishes using selected ingredients they must bring themselves. Seasonings and herbs will be provided.
The events will be judged by professional chefs and the winner of the final will receive a prize from the sponsor, Brewers Chef.
The carnival will also host its own Popstars competition which will be attended by agents from the music industry. Auditions will take place at the Waggon and Horses pub in Adlington on Thursday, July 25 and at the Hop Pocket pub in Chorley on July 30. Entrants must provide their own backing tracks and will sing live at the carnival on Friday, August 9. The winner will appear in the main marquee on Saturday August 10.
Tickets for the cabaret are on sale for the Saturday night event. Contact Mike or Jane on 01257 481941.
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