Bacup and Stacksteads Carnival hit town on Sunday

Many of the groups also took the theme forward into their stage shows with sea shanties and pirate dances.

Organised by BASCO, Bacup and Stacksteads Carnival Organisation, the parade welcomed a new Town Crier in Simon Dalley who donned an outfit originally made for the late Peter Gill, former carnival organiser, and kindly loaned to BASCO by his widow Christine.

Cotton Shed Theatre (Image: BASCO)

Parade organiser Jackie Oakes said: “I would like to thank everyone who came along and took part in the procession.

“It makes a spectacular start to the carnival and gets everyone in the spirit for the events, stalls, fun fair rides and attractions in Moorlands Park.”

Mayor, Councillor Andrew Walmsley inspected all the parade entries as they gathered at Broadclough Mill, and Irwell Explorer Scouts pirate ship was judged the best while the runner-up prize went to Becky’s Bites who had gone the extra mile with their costumes.

In the park the Britannia Coconutters opened the entertainment on the stage, followed by the children’s section of Cotton Shed inclusive theatre company.

For Signature Toys stallholder Megan Hudson, originally from Stacksteads, it was nice to come back home.

She said: “I left here 10 years ago when I was 14 and it has been brilliant to catch up with everyone, I have seen so many people that I know. It has been great to be back here seeing my friends.”

Fusion Dance and Fitness (Image: BASCO)

Leader of 23rd Rossendale Guides, Kat Haughan, and some of the guides, ran a stall on the field to raise money to support activities, while Parkside, which is a day care centre next to the park, ran a stall to raise funds for a giant android tablet.

Julie Bracewell took to the carnival ‘s Facebook page to write: “What a great turnout so much hard work, planning and prep clearly gone into today. Thank you to everyone involved.”

Becky's Bites (Image: BASCO)

Chairman of BASCO Catherine Smyth said: “Everyone asks how many people attended and it is impossible to put a figure on it. The roads were lined with people waiting for the parade from the moment the park team left Moorlands.

“We are very grateful to everyone who supported this year’s event, it was an amazing and very long day, but well worth the year of organising that goes into it. Thank goodness the rain held off until almost at the end of the event.

“We already have some new plans for next year’s event and have had some new volunteers come forward to help with the planning. See you all on Sunday June 30 2024.”