Northallerton carnival 2009

Held this past Sunday (July 12) in the town’s high street, the event was packed with performances by local groups. The event kicked off with a performance by Northallerton Churches and was followed by the Sisters of Sigston, a belly dancing troupe, Planet dance, Allertonshire School Blues Orchestra, Brompton Community Primary School Choir, Adrenaline, La Manga and the Northallerton Karate Club who all put on crowd pulling shows.

One of the highlights of the day was the trolley push organised by Thirsk and Northallerton Lions which saw eight teams compete for a £100 prize - with £50 for the best dressed team. Northallerton Firemen won the overall race with the Karate Club team a close second. The team entered by ‘The Café’ in Northallerton won the best dressed team.

A range of local charities provided entertainment and competitions - all collecting for good causes. The Rotary Club, Northallerton Lionesses, Northallerton Round Table and Butterwick Hospice amongst others collected hundreds of pounds. And members of Northallerton and Villages Community Forum were on hand to ask people how Northallerton could become a greener more sustainable town. Clowns entertained the crowds throughout the day and the emergency services had a range of their vehicles on display.

“We had a fantastic day - the weather stayed with us and the organisation by a group of dedicated volunteers was superb. The carnival really shows what the community can achieve together and what talent we have locally,” said Councillor David Blades, Chairman of the Carnival Committee.

“A big thank you goes to our sponsors - Simon Bailes, North Yorkshire Timber and Northallerton Town Council - to the police for patrolling and clearing the area and to Hambleton District Council for the stalls and clean up operation. Thanks also to Minster Northallerton FM who did a fantastic job promoting the event and compering on the day. The carnival spirit was kept high and they even got the mayor on a trolley for the race.”

“Bringing the carnival into the high street in 2006 was the right decision – the event has gone from strength to strength. 2009 will be a hard act to follow but we’ll rise to the challenge in 2010.”