from Josh Marsh –
The popular Barlow Carnival returns this weekend and hundreds of people are expected to visit the picturesque North Derbyshire village for the event.
Festivities begin on Wednesday as the three village vestries open to the public with a blessing taking place in St Lawrence Church from 6.30pm, followed by a procession through the village.
St Lawrence Church will also be open from Wednesday with their popular flower festival this year themed ‘Name That Tune’ with cream tea available. A fun fair will be open from Wednesday evening to Sunday opposite the village hall.
The fun continues throughout the week including the Open Air Cinema on Friday 19 August, with Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again showing.
The main day of the Carnival takes place on Saturday 20th August with the Carnival Parade setting off from Springfield Road at 2pm, with road closures around the village. The parade includes a display of decorated floats and fancy dress followed by festivities on the Carnival Field.
Entertainment on the carnival grounds includes Mighty Smith, Barlow Red Barrows, Birds of Prey, Derby Ambassadors Show Band, live music, vintage cars and much more.
There will be plenty of stalls including food stalls, independent local crafters and a tombola on offer too.
On Saturday night, Carnival Field hosts Rock the Carnival with live music from local bands Lunarca, Pearl Heart and Escape Plan.
The fun continues on Sunday with Chesterfield Guide Dogs presenting their popular dog show from 11am (registration from 10am) accompanied by children’s entertainment and competitions, Heeley City Farm followed by a Tug of War competition and challenge with inflatables from 1:00 p.m.
Terry Allison, Chairman of the Barlow Carnival Committee said: “We are very excited to be hosting the Barlow Carnival this weekend. Unfortunately we were unable to hold the event in 2020, we are back in 2021 and the event is going strong.
“It’s the highlight of the year for many local residents, with hundreds of people flocking to the village to join in the celebrations as we prepare for a fantastic weekend. There is something for the whole family to enjoy.”
For more information about all the entertainment planned for Barlow Carnival 2022 see www.barlowcarnival.co.uk
