Rochdale Observer

Blaze of glory for milestone year

- Damon.wilkinson@men-news.co.uk @DamonWilki­nson6

CROWDS flocked to Norden on Saturday for the village’s annual carnival.

Blazing sunshine greeted the parade, as it made its way through the village before finishing at Norden School, where a fairground, stalls, and bouncy castle greeted revellers.

This year marked the 40th anniversar­y of the event and those taking part in the procession were invited to choose their favourite theme of the last four decades.

Volunteers from Norden Environmen­tal and Economic Village Associatio­n hung bunting and put up hanging baskets along the parade route.

A number of awards were also given out to those taking part in the parade.

Best dressed boy was Finlay Coyne, best dressed girl was Olivia Pool, Whittaker Moss Primary School was named best walking group, Bamford Academy won Best Float and Millionhai­rs was named Best Window Display.

Norden Carnival Committee chair Rachel Blackburn said: “It was a fantastic day. The sun shining and there was a real buzz about the village. It was lovely to see.

“We had more floats in the procession than we have seen for quite a number of years.

“There were lots of people lining the streets and families loved it because it was a chance to hang out together.

“There was a real community feel about it.”

In a post on the Norden Carnival Facebook page organisers said: “Congratula­tions to our winners yesterday. And a big thank you to our carnival king and queen Alfie Radcliffe and Eva Jackson.

“Hope you all had a great day.”

Norden Village Facebook page said: “Today has been an amazing celebratio­n of 40 years of Norden Carnival, thanks to everyone on the organising team and all the participan­ts for making it a huge success. It was brilliant to have great weather and so many people lining the route.”

A spokesman for the Norden Environmen­tal and Economic Village Associatio­n said: “It is such a privilege to be a part of this close knit community of Norden.

“So many smiles and the wonderful sunshine has lifted everyone’s spirits. Thank you to all for their contributi­ons, big and small, making this Norden Carnival’s 40 years celebratio­n one to remember.”

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