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Carnival was the theme at this year’s Rishton Festival. 
A record crowd of more than 1000 turned out in the lovely sunshine
to watch a parade starting at Rishton Library and culminating at
Norden High School. There was a procession led by Captain Custard,
a Minion and a Giant Carnival Queen. 
Also in the procession were Accrington Lions and their Lion
Mascot, Haslingden and Helmshore Brass Band, an Octopus & a
Dragon, Sun Flowers and Hot air Balloons.
On show were the results of a 6 month community art project by
Ursula Hurst, the artist in residence
at Piggy Park’s Community food growing garden. 
Ursula worked with 15 groups, including all the Rishton Schools,
Scouts , Cubs and Beavers, Guides, Brownies and Rainbows,
Rockmount Mental Health Residential Home, the knit and natter
group and Copperhouse, to create a ‘beautiful mosaic bench, wish
flags and murals for Piggy Park. 
For the past few weeks they also created willow and tissue paper
puppets and sculptures
for the festival including a giant octopus, hot air
balloons and a phoenix.
The judges awarded the prizes as follows:
1st Prize to St Peter
& St Pauls Primary School
2nd prize
2nd Baptist Scouts, Cubs & Beavers
3rd prize
Best Adult
Carnival Queen Ursula Hurst
The festival included over 30 stalls, Fairground Rides, Charity
and Community Groups and a beer tent.
Malcolm Ward, Chairman of the festival committee said it was "a
superb day, everything went well.We just want to thank everybody
for making the effort and for making it a special day and to all
our sponsors, marshals and helpers and especially to the staff at
Norden School.”
Malcolm has appealed for more volunteers to help organise next
year’s festival and after 8 years as chair has decided to step
down.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer call Christine
Hammerton on 01254 885158
Peter Jones 2017
All pictures courtesy of Tracy Simmonds
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