Failsworth streets packed with parade and carnival fun

The free two-day festival was back again this May for the first time since the pandemic ground the fun to a halt.

Situated on the Lord Lane playing fields on May 20-21 residents from across the borough took full advantage of the sunshine and the many activities that were arranged for the special occasion.

The streets were packed as floats paraded through Failsworth (Image: Failsworth Carnival)

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The event itself was organised by Enid Bell, Kay Jones and the weekend was brought to life with an army of volunteers such as scouts and guide leaders.

Failsworth Independent councillor Sandra Ball is also on the committee and helped over the weekend.

Failsworth Carnival has been going on for years to raise funds for local community projects and this year, it has seen 16 grants paid out to local groups.

There were plenty of dancing troupes (Image: Failsworth Carnival)

While the gates to the fun fair and stalls opened at 10am sharp on Saturday, a parade through Failsworth kicked off at 1pm.

There were acts from the Pennine Ukulele Band, numerous dancing troupes and impressive floats designed by Failsworth organisations.

Meanwhile, the playing fields had a plethora of food stalls and activities to take part in - such as a meet and greet with the Sanderson Sisters, a penalty shoot out and the 'crowning' event of Carnival royalty.

Failsworth 'royalty' met the then Mayor of Oldham, Councillor Elaine Garry (Image: Failsworth Carnival)

The transformers were also booked for Sunday, however, the organisers were unable to make it - ironically due to a car breakdown. 

Still, there were plenty of sports activities to get involved in such as three aside football and sports day by the guides and scouts.

Visitors could also enter in numerous prize draws and take home an array of prizes - including a 'bonny baby' competition.

St John's Church Failsworth was crowned a winning float (Image: Failsworth Carnival)

The winners of the parade have also been crowned and given trophies.

St John's Church was awarded the 'best entertaining children's float' while the 'most entertaining adult float' went to Lisa's Zumba.

South Failsworth School also won 'the best float'.

Meanwhile, the 'best dressed float' was given to 2nd Failsworth Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and Rangers.

The playing fields had a fun fair and food stalls (Image: Failsworth Carnival)

Hope Methodist Rainbows, Brownies and Guides also took home the trophy for the 'best overall'.

Those set to benefit from the funds raised include Failsworth villas U15s, Failsworth Wolves JFC, Fitton Hill All Stars, Breaking the Waves, Failsworth Community Fridge, 10th N.E. Manchester Brownies, 17th N.E. Manchester Brownies, 17th N.E. Manchester Guides, 17th N.E. Manchester Rainbows, 2nd Failsworth Brownies, 2nd Failsworth Guides, 2nd Failsworth Rainbows, 5th North East All Saints Brownies, 248th Scout Troop, 7th Manchester Scout Group and Wrigley Head Residents Group.

A financial statement will be published soon to determine the final figures raised from the carnival. 

If you have a story, I cover all things Oldham from food reviews and local business news to music and events, pubs, education, crime, property, health, community concerns and much more. Please email me at Olivia.bridge@newsquest.co.uk or send me a message on Twitter @Livbridge with your news.