Hundreds turn out to enjoy return of Oswaldtwistle carnival and parade

People took to the streets on Sunday (June 19) for the parade, opened by Town Crier Rawden Kerr, which then made its way down Union Road and up to Rhydding’s Park to enjoy the rest of the festivities.

One of the organisers of the event, Hilary Austin, committee member for the carnival and chair for Church and Oswaldtwistle Royal British Legion, said she was delighted at how successful the day had been.

She said: “It’s been absolutely fantastic to get the community behind us.

Hundreds of children also took part in the parade

“As we usually do, we have a fantastic group of people in Oswaldtwistle who always come out and support all of the events that we try to put on.”

Leading the procession was Accrington Pipe Band, followed by more than 30 different representatives taking part, including uniformed organisations, schools, dance groups, local voluntary and community groups, charities, churches, local businesses and a few vintage vehicles thrown in.

The Hyndburn crier, Rawden Kerr opened the parade and was followed by the Accrington Pipe Band

The mayor of Hyndburn, Cllr Abdul Khan, said: “It’s a great honour, an honour one looks forward to.

“After two years with Covid, it is amazing, it’s really nice to see so many people out.

There was a group of Bollywood dancers

“It’s a lovely community here and events like this should be encouraged more.”

At the funday at Rhydding's Park, there were more than 50 stalls, including charity tombolas, traditional games like a coconut shy, craft stalls, as well as tasty treats and a few small children's rides as well as inflatables.

There was loads of entertainment at the carnival including inflatables and fairground rides

There were also free activities for families to take part in, such as free Open Top Bus Rides, a treasure hunt and a keepsake craft.

Food stalls were selling jacket potatoes, fudge, sweets and traditional fairground treats.

There were also stalls for local community groups including the Royal British Legion, the guides and the cadet groups in the area.

The Thwaites horses made an appearance

MP for Hyndburn, Sara Britcliffe added: “It has been absolutely fantastic, as you can see behind me, you can see the crowds, you can see the stalls.

“Everybody has come back together for Oswaldtwistle Carnival and what a success it has been.

Hilary Austin, chair of Church and Oswaldtwistle RBL Branch

“Thank you to everybody involved and our fantastic community here in Oswaldtwistle and across Hyndburn.”