THE streets of Oswaldtwistle were filled with fun and revellers yesterday as the carnival came to town.

Grey skies did not stop more than 4,000 people turning out for the revived event.

It kicked off with a noon procession through the town with more than 1,500 participants and several floats.

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They included several ‘special structures made during creative workshops at Oswaldtwistle’s ‘s Civic Arts Centre.

The parade began at at the Spar, near Tricky’s Bar, in Thwaites Road heading along Union Road and Harvey Street to Whiteash and Foxhill Playing Fields where the world-famous Accrington Pipe Band were playing.

The Oswaldtwistle Carnival was revived two years ago after 16 years without one and Sunday was the second in its rejuvenated form.

There were more than 50 stalls, music, fairground rides, arts and crafts and other activities on the town’s streets.

They included two music stages with bands and singers including ‘The Boutiques’ and Brian Lavelle on one and dance groups and dance schools and cheerleaders on the other.

Extra attractions included ‘Beat the Goalie’, archery, birds of prey, mascot races and performers at Whiteash and Foxhill Playing Fields.

The event had its own Carnival King, Queen, Prince and Princess.

As the event got into full swing, organising committee spokesman Gail Knight said: “Its gone really well.

“Oswaldtwistle people are hardy folk and don;’t get put off having fun by grey skies.

“It’s gone really well and we have had 4,000 to 5,000 people turnout.

“We didn’t have an Oswaldtwistle Carnival for 16 years and decided to revive it two years ago.

“We’ve worked really well as a team to get it back on the road.

“It seems like we have taken over the whole town centre.

“The streets are packed with people having fun.

“Its been two years of real hard work but well worth it.

“Now we can start the planning and hard work for the next one in 2018.

“The plan is to hold the carnival every two years.

“Looking at what happened with this year’s event is’s well worth the effort.”

Carnival organisers are no looking for volunteers and ideas for the 2016 event.