A MILE-long procession snaked its way through Bacup as the town’s revived carnival really came of age in 2016.

In the seventh run-out for the reinstated Bacup and Stacksteads Carnival, several hundred took part in the official parade to kick off the festivities, with the Swinging Sixties as the adopted theme.

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Several local schools came out in support of the promenade, which wound its way from Broadclough Mill, around the town centre and on to Stubbylee Park in a riot of colour.

And everyone was there from Rossendale Shotokan Karate Club to Dansworks, Limitless cheerleading squad, to army and air cadets, Veterans in Communities (VIC), Together Housing and Bacup Royal Court Theatre and Britannia Coconutters.

Town firefighters brought along a 1957 vintage Dennis Metz turntable ladder fire appliance, which used to be operated by Rochdale’s fire brigade.

County councillor Jackie Oakes, on the organising committee, said volunteers had raised more than £3,500 through the year to ensure the carnival could be staged. “This is the largest parade we have ever organised because the schools have really got on board with us this year. I would just like to thank everyone who has helped us to organise this because it is all run by volunteers,” she added.

Cllr Granville Morris, Mayor of Rossendale, who led the carnival procession, said: “To see the efforts and determination of people to get this event up and running has been inspirational. The commitment shown by adults and youngsters for the community event has been fantastic and it’s been a privilege to be a part of it as mayor.”

He officially launched the park end of proceedings, after music from Water Band, before a day of fun, fairground rides, raffles and displays from the likes of Rossendale CAB, Rossendale Hospice, VIC and Rossendale Leisure Trust.

There was a tug of war contest on adjoining Moorlands Park and ‘Gangnam Gran’ Dorothy Salt danced on stage for Cancer Research UK.