Castleton Carnival 2009

Castleton Carnival 2009

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Castleton Carnival, which runs from Chesham to Springfield Park, has been a precious tradition in the town for decades but despite the poor weather, and the fears of the organisers that the best years of the carnival were in the past, Castleton streets were lined with hundreds of people who still love the carnival atmosphere.

The Mayor and Mayoress, Councillor Keith Swift and Ms Sue Etchells and local MP Jim Dobbin led the parade followed by the Oldham Scottish Pipe Band.

Next in line came the two large lorries, redeployed for the day as floats: Rochdale Connections Trust brightly decorated float, kindly provided by CFT Services, was promoting healthy living; Thornham St John’s Church float, kindly provided by Matthews Transport of Middleton was promoting messages of faith.

Also in the parade were dozens of brightly decorated cars carrying carnival queens, princesses, rosebuds and  page boys.

Oldham & District Mini Club bought along three cars and dozens of families and individuals, some in fancy dress, walked with the parade.

Carnival treasurer Frank Cryer, who recently appealed for help through Rochdale Online News to keep the carnival spirit alive, said: “This is our 33rd year; the weather could have been kinder but I am delighted that it has not put people off turning out, people are smiling and having a good time, and that is what we want to see.”