Festival lights up Darnhill

Darnhill Festival

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As the sun shone over Heywood today (Saturday 4 July), the 12th Darnhill Festival took place.

The procession set off at 12pm from Argyle Parade and people lined the streets to watch.

Organised by Cartwheel Arts, in conjunction with Darnhill Festival Association, the inspiration for this year’s procession was the UN International Year of Light and Solar Technology.

In the build up to this year’s festival and parade, hundreds of school children in Heywood took part in workshops to create carnival costumes and to design imaginary worlds powered by the sun.

The parade was then followed by a full programme of entertainment and activities throughout the afternoon, including a series of activities provided by new partners Red Rose Forest.

In Darnhill Library Beth Kelsall help shed light on the history of the area by bringing along old photos and memorabilia, while in the Red Rose marquee children could make clay tree goblins with Professor Jigget.

There were also stalls, games, craft activities, live music and train rides.

Deputy Mayor of Rochdale, Councillor Ray Dutton said: “I was here for the first festival and I will certainly be back next year, as the Mayor, for the 13th.

“I have to thank everyone for making this event possible and it has been great to see all of the hard work that has been put in this year.”

A selection of pupils’ artwork and words will be published in a book, Leading Lights, designed by Cartwheel Arts and Bamford Print.