The carnival rides again

Mary Threlfall (back left) at Chorley Carnival 1953

A determined group of locals have revived Chorley  Carnival which returns all this weekend after a two- decade long break.

The fun kicks off on Astley Park tonight from 6pm with the colourful Carnival Fun Fair on which all rides are just £1.

Carnival Day proper  arrives on Saturday with a spectacular Carnival Parade through the streets of the town and a whole day of entertainment on the park.

Treats include demonstrations from the H and M Dog Display Team, Cuerden Valley Birds of Prey and the James Dylan Motor Cycle Stunt Show.

Sports enthusiasts can enjoy a huge football tournament – and a special surprise Emmerdale star as guest of honour.

Then on Sunday, the park hosts Knockout Sunday with a fabulous It’s a Knockout tournament including all the favourite games from the top 1970s TV show.

And there is a Fun Dog Show, a children’s  entertainer, trade stands, a craft fair and plenty of tasty food – alongside a licensed bar for the grown ups.

Homegrown X Factor star, singing soldier Jonjo Kerr is back in his home town as a guest judge on a great new star search, Chorley’s Got  Talent – and there will be live music from The Taser  Puppets. Local mums Nicky  Pickering and Karren  McCarthy decided they wanted to revive the carnival after feeling sad their children could not share the happy memories they have of the town coming together.

Karren McCarthy said: “We wondered why the carnival had been stopped and decided to do everything we could to get it up and running again.”