Thousands hit the street to welcome big event back
AFTER a two-year break, Bacup and Stacksteads Carnival was back – with a huge procession and thousands of people enjoying events in Moorlands Park, Bacup.
This year the theme was dinosaurs, and they turned up in the parade in all shapes and sizes, including a horse-drawn Fred Flintstone car by the WaterWell Foundation which scooped first prize for the best float.
Mayor of Rossendale Coun Anne Cheetham said: “I think it is amazing. I think everybody in the area has come out to give their full support.
“People have been wanting events to come back again and this has been absolutely fantastic.”
Bacup resident Jenny Caine was looking forward to seeing her daughters perform with Dansworks Dance Academy of Performing Arts.
She said: “I have been coming to BASCO’s carnival since it relaunched and it has been brilliant today to see everybody out again.
“It has been really nice and the weather has been kind.
“It is so exciting to be able to dance again and see my children dancing with Dansworks.”
The stage was packed all afternoon with a variety of entertainers from AZ Kabile belly dancers, Britannia Coconutters, to X-Rays Theatre group, Rossendale Drum Majorettes, Fusion Dance and Fitness, who also led the parade and the amazing dancing great-grandmother Dorothy Salt who has raised thousands for Cancer Research UK over the years by dancing at the event.
Chairman of BASCO Catherine Smyth said: “Without the people of Bacup and Stacksteads coming out to support this event it simply would not work.
“But they did come out and they loved the theme.
“We had four schools enter - Britannia Primary won the walking procession, and they all had a marvellous time.
“A lot of people remarked to me on how much they had enjoyed the procession, people in the parade had a great time and there was a lovely atmosphere in the park and the funfair rides proved popular.
“Some of the stallholders sold out quickly as there was so much custom, and charities reported they had gained new volunteers from having stalls.
“It is a great way to raise awareness of the amazing organisations we have in Bacup and Rossendale.”
Bacup resident Dot Loretan said: “It was wonderful - and I came home from Spain to see the carnival.
“People have been crying out for something to do and the children are loving it. I love it, and I love the Bacup and Stacksteads people too. The café at Stubbylee Greenhouses is a wonderful place.”
Scouts who are heading to South Korea for the World Jamboree helped to clean the procession route in advance and maintain the cleanliness of the park. They also raised £300 towards their trip on the day. Army and Air Cadets performed a drill display and also provided volunteer litter pickers on the day.
Catherine added: “It is this community spirit that is the essence of the carnival. All people of all ages coming together to enjoy a fun and creative celebration. Thank you everyone.”
Grants and donations were received from: Reaps Moss Windfarm Community Benefit Fund, Rossendale Community Partnership, Mayor of Rossendale 2019-21, Bacup Cultural Consortium, Rossendale Community Foundations, Spar Burnley
Road, Winter Solicitors, Danielle and Darren Childminding Services, and former County Councillor David Foxcroft.