Penketh Carnival celebrates World Friends in glorious colour

PENKETH Carnival was a huge success this year with the theme ‘World Friends’ promoting unity and friendship.

A large crowd turned out to wave on the procession through the streets at this year’s Penketh Carnival, starting at Penketh High School and finishing at Greystone Rec, the walkers followed the now traditional route around the local area.

The parade was led by the Mayor of Warrington Cllr. Wendy Johnson and Cllr. David Symm, Chair of Penketh Parish Council.

Despite the forecast of sunshine, the parade started under grey skies but the children’s wonderfully colourful costumes brought their own sunshine to proceedings.

After the walk locals flocked to the Penketh carnival celebrations where bands, acts, music, dance, food and drink were waiting to entertain them and in the afternoon the promised sunshine appeared to brighten things up further.

There was a best fancy dress contest with prizes sponsored by local business Urban Beauty salon which saw Penketh South School win the best group category while 6 years old Rainbow, Autumn Wells won the individual competition with her groovy hippy outfit.

On stage,  amongst many, acts were The George Formby Society thrashing out old favourites from their ukulele hero, followed later by a fantastic show by the Lotharios, who wowed the crowd in their own inimitable style.

The ever popular fairground kept kids of all ages excited with rides and stalls.

The Mercian Regiment brought military vehicles and displayed some of the activities their soldiers experience.

The Sportsman’s Arms set up shop in the dedicated alcohol area and raffled off a giant teddy in aid of anti online bullying charity, Bullying UK.

Every year the Penketh Events Team organises a superb event and it is all thanks to the dedicated volunteers who give up their time, not only on the day but for most of the year planning and booking all the activities.

This year the Penketh Events Team dedicated the Penketh Carnival to the memory of Alin Dirir, a long time supporter of not only the Carnival but his community at large.