14 June 2010

OTLEY LOOKS FORWARD TO CARNIVAL DAY ON SATURDAY

Saturday the 19^th June promises to be another great Carnival Day with a large colourful parade leading to a field full of fun filled activities. The carnival is designed to give children a day to remember and this year there will be a record 9 schools participating in the parade which means that the centre of the town will be full of youngsters enjoying the occasion right from the start.

THE PARADE

The parade starts from the Leeds Road Auction Mart at approximately 1.15 pm and will wend its way through the town centre led by police horses and the Otley Bellman on his bike. The Carnival Queen and the retiring Queen with their attendants will follow together with visiting gala and carnival queens and various town dignatories.

The floats and walking groups will include all Otley schools plus primary schools from Menston, Askwith and Farnley, Prince Henry's Art department, scout groups, girl guiding (Rainbows, Brownies & Guides), Wharfedale General Hospital, Otley Action for Older People, Otley Sailing Club Juniors, Jo Jingles of Ilkley, a 1920 steam traction engine, 1901 steam roller and numerous other more modern vehicles! No less than 8 bands will be spaced throughout the parade and these are the City of Leeds Pipe band, Foxwood Steel Bandits with East Steel, North Leeds Nitros Majorettes, Otley Brass Band, La Classique Majorettes, Clifton Drummers, Imperial Crusaders and the Yorkshire Volunteers.

THE FIELD ACTIVITIES

The thousands of spectators who will line the streets are invited to follow the parade into the Bridge End Showground where the field will contain a variety of stalls, fun activities and numerous

food and drink outlets. For children of all ages there will be inflatables, fairground games, children's rides and roundabouts as well as a Punch and Judy show and pony rides.

Music will be provided in the arena by the Wharfe Brass and the Foxwood Steel Band with East Steel. Other events will include the crowning of this year's Carnival Queen, the presentation of float and parade prizes, the majorettes and a display by the West Yorkshire Police Dogs.

WINDOW DRESSING RESULTS

As usual, many traders in the town have decorated their window as a part of the carnival celebration. The window decorations were judged last Sunday and the overall winner was Tranmere Flowers on Boroughgate with 60 points and the best Large Window display was awarded to The Wharf on Kirkgate with 59 points, the best medium sized window to Aura Jewellery in New Inn Court with 43 points and the best small window to The Traditional Sweet Shop in Newmarket with 58 points.The participating shops have succeeded in brightening up the town and a walk rounds the town centre is a rewarding experience as a result.

ENDS

For further information contact Geoff Wright on 01943-465179