Big celebration weekend in Rossendale

Date published: 20/06/2008

A CELEBRATION of everything which is good in Rossendale is taking place this weekend.

Thousands are expected to descend on a host of attractions which have been lined up for the third annual Rossendale Alive weekend.

Music, food and a multicultural fun will form the backbone of the festival, with events lined up across the Rawtenstall area.

Shopkeepers have already been getting into the swing of things by taking part in the annual scarecrow competition throughout the town centre.

Each store or outlet has designed its own model - ranging from scarecrows mourning England's absence from Euro 2008 to take-offs of Florence Nightingale, ghosts and party guys and girls.

Pencilled in for Saturday is the Rossendale Food Festival, backed by Rawtenstall market traders and businesses.

An array of Lancashire foodstuffs will be showcased and there will be demonstrations by famed chef Phillippa James, alongside street entertainment and musicians.

The Marl Pits Sports Centre on Newchurch Road will be the venue for two important weekend gatherings.

Saturday will see Haslingden and Helmshore Brass Band stage an outdoor musical evening - in a proms in the park style concert - with audience members encouraged to bring along their own tables, chairs, picnics, rugs and wine for a 7pm start.

The next day Rossendale Mela will be launched at Marl Pits, from noon, to celebrate the borough's diverse make-up.

Lined up for the six-hour spectacular, the seventh annual event, are drumming workshops presented by Beatsnheat, henna painting, arts and craft workshops and music and dance tuition, along with continental and south Asian food stalls.

Joining the mela on Sunday at the sports centre will be Rossendale Rural Fair, headlined by local three-piece band ICE.

Performers from Rossendale Leisure Trust's Dance Academy are also on the bill, with Indian dance experts Dance-Annapurna, Bob Morgan's Western Reunion, local duo Pixy-Led and a demonstration by Rossendale Dog Training Club.

A Rossendale Alive spokesman said: "Bring your family along for a weekend of fun, laughter and pure enjoyment."