Picnic in the Park attracted lots of families and dog lovers this year, thanks to a programme designed to appeal to children and canines.
“As ever with an outdoor event, the weather can be a worry”, said Naomi Crewe, the Town Council’s event manager, “but it remained dry and we were even blessed with sunny intervals.”
Children were central to the day, with extremely well patronised Punch and Judy shows, traditional sack and egg and spoon races and magic tricks and balloon modelling from popular entertainer, Peter Dean and Harrison Houghton.
Barnoldswick Brass Band played for much of the afternoon to an appreciative audience and later Colne songstress, Tristesse James, brought proceedings to a close with a more modern feel.
Vets4Pets’ novelty dog show proved to be once again a big draw and pooches of all shapes and sizes were in evidence, with many later proudly sporting rosettes.
There were fewer family picnics in evidence this year, so queues formed at the Town Council gazebos which housed Riz’s Cupcakes, Farah’s Asian Treats, Strawberry J and M Traditional Sweets and The Toy Emporium. In addition, three retro vending vehicles: Snaffle Gin and Cake Bar, the Coffee Cube and Slater’s Ice Cream all did a roaring trade.
“We are gearing up now to our Summer Music and Food Festival on 10th June”, explained Naomi Crewe. “We have nearly booked out our stage in the town centre and have approaching 30 food, drink and craft stalls for people to enjoy. We will be blocking off the Town Centre from the junction of Windy Band and Market Street to the junction of Craddock Road and Keighley Road between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. and we want to make everyone aware, so they can factor in longer travelling times.”
