Castleton Carnival enjoys a parade in the sun

Reporter: Jan Harwood
Date online: 24/07/2006

Castleton Carnival took place over the weekend (22-23 July) and like this year’s other local carnivals there were some spectacular floats and costumes on show, with the added bonus of very warm weather. The event was typically well attended with locals lining the streets from Manchester Road to Springfield Park to watch the parade pass by.

Saturday was a funday for children aged 3 to 14, with various games for the youngsters, and a car boot sale.

The highlight of any carnival, the parade, took place on Sunday. The Mayor, Councillor Jean Hornby and her husband and consort, Barrie, lead the way and they were followed by an entertaining parade resplendent with music, fancy wedding cars and stretch limousines, and excellent costumes.

The parade was a tribute to former carnival chairman John Anderton who died last November. Carnival queens past and present from all over the Northwest, who had known John over the past twenty-five years in his role as chairman, took to the streets of Castleton to show their appreciation and to add a touch of glamour to the parade.

The music on the parade was headed by the Oldham Pipe Band who entertained the crowds with their bagpipe renditions of songs old and new and they were followed by an array of up-market vehicles, including the four mini-coopers that were seen at last month’s Norden carnival. A special mention must go to John Anderton’s former employers, Castleton Ring amp; Ride, for supplying the fancy wedding cars and stretch limousines.

The fantastic weather, and the hard work of many local people and organisations, helped to provide an event that the Carnival Secretary, Frank Cryer, was proud of. His colleague, and daughter of John Anderton, Rachael, told Rochdale Online: "It was very successful, especially because it was nice and sunny. There was a nice relaxed atmosphere and the parade proved popular all the way through, with an excellent turnout on the streets."