NORTHWICH Carnival is launching an exciting new event for its return after being cancelled for two years due to the pandemic.

A jubilee party will be held in Verdin Park on Saturday, July 2, to celebrate the Queen’s 70-year reign.

Children chosen for the retinue in 2020 will finally have their day of glory as the traditional pageant resumes.

Northwich Guardian: Louise Allen, Natham Poulson and Heather MacFarlane of Noodles Performing ArtLouise Allen, Natham Poulson and Heather MacFarlane of Noodles Performing Art

The summer extravaganza will have lots of surprises, activities and games for children.

Community groups are invited to have fundraising stalls.

Northwich Guardian: Children enjoying the fun at the carnival parade in 2019Children enjoying the fun at the carnival parade in 2019

Local artisans and craft specialists will be able to showcase their work.

The search is also on to find more children’s entertainers to help create a party atmosphere.

Businesses, schools, uniformed organisations and voluntary groups are being encouraged to take part.

Northwich Guardian: Maya Brown and MaCauley Hamilton have fun playing a giant Connect 4 Maya Brown and MaCauley Hamilton have fun playing a giant Connect 4

Food and drink vendors are also urged to book a pitch.

Barbara Turner, chairman of Northwich Carnival committee, said: “We thought long and hard about what to do.

“We are not having a parade this year as we would have to pay around £2,000 for a traffic management company as the police can no longer man it.”

Support for the parade, she said, had been declining for several years with fewer groups taking part and less people offering to be marshalls.

Barbara vowed to ensure the carnival would survive and formed a new committee in 2019.

Northwich Guardian: Harvey Drinkwater and Oscar Lea having fun on a fair ride Harvey Drinkwater and Oscar Lea having fun on a fair ride

Her family has been the backbone of the event for more than half a century.

“I was chosen to be in the retinue in 1963 when I was nine,” recalled Barbara, remembering when thousands of spectators lined the streets.

“My parents Marjorie and Joe joined the committee then and we have been involved ever since.

“The carnival has always been a big part of my life.

“Mum was still helping when she was 90.”

Northwich Guardian: Brothers Harry and Frankie Leigh enjoying an ice creamBrothers Harry and Frankie Leigh enjoying an ice cream

Joe served as secretary, chairman and various other roles until he died in 1977.

Marjorie was also a stalwart supporter until she her death in 2008.

Every effort is being made to ensure that the traditional event does not disappear.

“We thought it would be a lovely idea to try and trace all the carnival queens we have had since our Queen was crowned in 1953,” said Barbara.

So far, they have managed to find 30 and would love to hear from more but they only have maiden names.

Northwich Guardian: Lauren Westland and Emmi Sneedon eating candyflossLauren Westland and Emmi Sneedon eating candyfloss

“We want to invite them all to this year’s event and treat them like VIPs,” said Barbara.

“We are hoping to get some nice vintage cars or a limo to transport the children who are in the retinue from their homes.

“It won’t be a parade, we just want them to arrive at the park in style.”

Emily Porter, chosen in 2020, will be crowned 2022 jubilee carnival queen.

An Easter bingo and children’s bonnet competition will held on Wednesday, April 13, at Gladstone Club to help raise funds for the carnival.

Anyone wishing to get involved with this year’s event can call Barbara on 01606 76113 or email barbt2353@yahoo.co.uk