Carnival set to delight the crowds

Reporter: Catherine Smyth
Date online: 30 January 2010

 FROM cheerleaders to schoolchildren, Brownies to footballers – these are just some of the groups and organisations who have already signed up to help make Bacup and Stacksteads Carnival a success. 

When organisers gather the procession together on Sunday 27 June 2010, it will be six years to the day since the carnival last took place in the town. 

A parade will leave Futures Park, tour the town centre and finish at Stubbylee and Moorlands parks where visitors can enjoy fairground rides, stalls, displays and attractions. 

Chairman of voluntary group Bacup and Stacksteads Carnival Organisation (BASCO) David Morris said: “We are well on our way to having raised £5,000 to put on the event. This is thanks to the sterling efforts of everyone on the committee and generous grants and donations from Lancashire County Council, Rossendale Council’s neighbourhood forum and County Councillor Jimmy Eaton." 

“We already have a good mix of groups who are taking part in the parade and offering to put on displays in the park and run stalls. 

“This is going to be a real family-friendly event and we are hoping to put some of the pride back into Bacup and rekindle the community spirit that people remember from carnivals in the past.” 

"The theme is a celebration of sport, to link in with the Football World Cup and the forthcoming Olympics, but organisers said there are no limitations to how parade participants wish to dress. "

“The important thing is that people come forward and take part,” said David. “This is your carnival. It is being organised by people who care for and are passionate about Bacup and Stacksteads, but we need you to get involved. "

“If you don’t want to go in the parade, how about running a stall, helping with marshalling or assisting with fund-raising? 

“Let’s make this a fantastic fun day for everyone to remember and something we can build on for years to come.”

Anyone wanting to get involved can email info@basco.org.uk for a flyer, which explains the event and how to get involved