A HISTORIC summer event in Northwich triumphed over a run of bad luck to take place this year.

Northwich Carnival was plagued with trouble in the run up to Saturday, including rain, roadworks and a dwindling number of organisers.

Barbara Turner, from the carnival committee, said: “There was all the rain on Friday when we were trying to prepare and had to put things up, then on Friday night there was a disaster with the lorries for the parade.

“Something went wrong with the communication but we rang round and managed to get two lorries – but what should have been decorated on the Friday night couldn’t be and everyone had to be there at 5am on Saturday.

“I’m not happy with the parade because of all the roadworks and we had a new traffic management company working with us that didn’t seem to know the situation.

“Cars were getting in and the floats were coming through in dribs and drabs.

“But it turned out alright, all the parents came up trumps and the day itself went really well.”

The Round Table and Ladies Circle helped events run smoothly on the field at Verdin Park, where Darcey Hemmings was crowned Northwich Carnival queen 2014.

Barbara said: “We’re down to a committee of seven ladies and no men.

“Four of the ladies are over 60.

“Without groups like the Round Table and Ladies Circle it just wouldn’t have gone on this year at all.”

Darcey was crowned by town councillor Dee Cooke, who has raised thousands of pounds for charity by collecting at Northwich carnival with her husband Brian during the years.

Crowds at Verdin Park also enjoyed a fun fair and a variety of arena displays, including a birds of prey show from Vale Royal Falconry, dance groups and a puppet show.

The best trade float was Hartford Old School Nursery with its Neverland theme while Mid Cheshire Musical Theatre won the title of best non-trade float for its wartime theme.

The best queen’s car was that of Amber Gerrard, North West and North Wales senior empress, and Grace Austin, Comberbach rose queen, was named best queen in the arena.

Debbie Lambert, from Mini Dribblers was the best collector while Mary Clacton, who was Northwich’s carnival queen 40 years ago, won a prize for selling the most draw tickets.

Anyone who can help the carnival committee with the event in future years should ring Barbara on 01606 76113.