After two years of ‘Festival cancelled due to Covid’ we were at last able to hold our traditional Whitsuntide Festival this year. And what a brilliant day it was, with all the usual attractions and participants, although perhaps not in the numbers we have grown to expect. Due to various reasons two of our usual bands couldn’t make it this year, but we are hoping to welcome them back next year. Float numbers were down to four but they were all of a very high standard and I am sure there will be a lot more in 2023 when we have settled back into our normal operation.

One of the floats carried a new (at least to us) band, standing in for our usual Band on a Wagon. This new band was led by Gaynor Sutcliffe who declared she had had a wonderful time and would very much like to be invited back next year.

Our new Queen for 2022, Grace Sharples, and her retinuemade a lovely picture parading to The Square where Grace was crowned by her grandmother Margaret (or Auntie Margaret, for those of you who remember Play Group days in the 1970s and ‘80s!) and everybody had a wonderful day.

The Chairman would like to thank everyone, Committee members and Volunteers, for helping to make the Festival’s return such a resounding success. Whether you helped set up, clear away, marshalled or manned a road-block, or helped with the teas in the Hall, you are all much appreciated. Without all your hard work our Whitsuntide Festival would not be possible.