Oswaldtwistle Carnival suffers fresh blow as parade 'significantly' reduced after pull outs

The Oswaldtwistle Carnival will be held this weekend - however organisers have announced that the parade will be 'significantly' reduced in size following a number of last-minute pull outs.

It is the latest blow for organisers after the venue was forced to change this week "due to the bad weather" and also cancel plans for a fun fair. The carnival will take place on Sunday (June 9), however the committee said Rhyddings Park was not suitable due to the forecasted conditions and "if we went ahead it could be a H&S disaster".

Thousands of people are expected to lined the streets for the 'Our World' themed parade which will leave from the top of Harvey Street at 12pm. It will then travel along Thwaites Road Union Road and back to Harvey Street for a family fun day and activities on White ash Playing Fields.

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In a statement on Facebook this morning (June 7), Oswaldtwistle Carnival said: "Hi just letting people know that the Carnival Parade which has been planned for months and months and has had lots of time and effort put into it has now significantly been reduced in size. Many local organisations have pulled out at this very late stage due to the weather or for other reasons such as not enough to attend in their groups.

"Please note that as a committee we are deeply upset about this. We appreciate these things happen sometimes , but it is unfair at this late stage as we can no longer go out for replacements.

"Thanks to all the other organisations who are supporting us we really do appreciate it."

Earlier this week, Carnival organisers announced their decision to change venue and said: "Due to the bad weather the Park is not suitable for the carnival if we went ahead it could be a H&S disaster. The field is very wet and would make it impossible for prams, wheelchairs etc.

"It could also cause damage with vehicles driving across it so …… we have decided to change venue. We are going to White Ash Playing Fields after the parade."

Last month, it was confirmed that there will be no fun fair at this year's event due to paperwork issues.

Oswaldtwistle Carnival said: "We are sorry to announce that there will be no fun fair at this year’s carnival. Following a fair and open tender process, the successful fun fair provider has been chased constantly for paperwork for several weeks, and we are still having issues.

"We have tried our very best to get all the correct paper work so we can send to the Council to approve. This is essential for your health and safety.

"We have had to take the sad decision to cancel the fair. Your safety is our priority

"We have however got many free activities for your children. Face painting, princess and pirates parades and shows.

"Performance area with free games and fun. Arts and crafts and…. wrestling shows and Star Wars characters.

"We have car displays, birds of prey and many other activities."