Last Friday Stannington Carnival announced its long awaited return.
This will be the first carnival since Covid. The carnival committee have been unable to organise the event in recent years due to a lack of members.
The event replaces ‘The Garden Party’, a smaller event organised by the former committee for the past two summers.
Interim chair, Abbie Malcome, aged 36 said: “It’s my way of giving back to a community that welcomed me and my family when we moved into the area 6 years ago.
“I organised a meeting at the local pub in order to make the event happen, I knew I needed a team of passionate and committed volunteers. I went to the pub feeling very nervous , would I be the only one there? 15 people actually turned up , five from the former committee and 10 new volunteers. I was thrilled.”
The committee has received permission from the council to have up to 50 stalls , live music, sports exhibitions and children’s activities.
Mrs Malcome said: “It’s really important for the entire community to benefit and have the opportunity to participate in the carnival.”
The stalls at the carnival will be filled with local businesses.
Amy Spencer, aged 37, statistician and owner of Rivelin Soap Valley company from Stannington said:
“I have also been in touch with the organisers of a small craft business so I’ve been in touch with them about having a stall there, events like these make your business feel valued, they make you feel valued and they make you feel part of the community. “
The carnival will happen in Stannington Park on Saturday 13th July.
Catherine Waddington, aged 40, a Client Account Director from Stannington said: “The carnival is a significant event in Stannington, it’s one you remember as a child as it’s one of the times you get to socialise with your friends outside of school as quite a young child.”
Previous years have seen roads closed for the carnival.
Mrs Malcome said: “We need to consider potential implications such as will car parking or traffic management have a negative impact on our neighbourhood? There is lots to consider and it’s a huge undertaking.”
Sandra Hole, a 70 year old pensioner from Stannington said: “I’m not bothered by possible road disruptions, it’s a great community event which brings everyone together.”
You can contact the organisers via their email for more information: stanningtoncarnival@gmail.com.