Extension to Norden Carnival parade deadline

Moss Row Allotment - winners of Best Float 2012

The organisers of the Norden Carnival Parade on Saturday 15 June have extended the deadline for entry to 7 June.

So far 20 community groups, businesses and schools have committed to taking part and the Carnival Committee is hoping to exceed that number to make it the longest parade in history.

Norden Carnival takes place every June and raises money for charity and good causes in Norden and Rochdale.

The procession leaves Caldershaw School at 1pm and goes up Edenfield Road through the village to the Bus Terminus and then returns turning down Shawfield Lane to finish at Norden School.

At the school, there's aways a selection of food and refreshments, fairground attractions, bouncy castles, craft stalls and other entertainment and activities until 4.30pm.

Carnival organiser, Georgina Jones commented: "This year's theme is 'My Favourite Story' so anyone wanting to enter the procession has lots of choice to decorate a car, trailor, lorry or come along as a walking group. All shapes and sizes are acceptable. In 1978, we hear two men carried a lady in a sedan chair."

The Carnival organisers think that some people are put off entering the parade due to the preparation needed for the floats. "I also coordinate the Horse and Farrier float" added Georgina, "We get the idea as soon as the theme is announced, but we always manage to leave the preparation until the last minute.

"In the end, we go for big, bright and colourful - and have lots of sweets to hand out to those who come out to support the event.

"Whilst we won the Best Float in our first year, last year we lost out to the attention to detail given to the Moss Row Allotment float. We're hoping this year, we can regain the title."

Anyone interested in joining the parade can email the Committee at:

nordencarnival@sky.com