Banks prepares to welcome its first carnival for 30 years

May 31 2012 by Rob Pattinson, Ormskirk Advertiser

BANKS will be transformed into a patriotic sea of colour this week as the village prepares for its first carnival in 30 years to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

The parish council has been working with a number of volunteer groups and businesses to put on the eagerly-anticipated event on Monday, June 4, according to Paul Blane, chairman of the carnival committee.

He said: “It will mark a special day for the nation as a whole with parties taking place up and down the country, but none will be more special to us than seeing the return of the Banks Carnival.”

In the days leading up to the event, bunting and hanging baskets are being put in place to line the route of the opening procession.

As part of the celebrations scarecrows will adorn doorsteps with top prizes for the best designed.

On the day itself, the carnival will begin with a procession through the village.

Gates will open at Banks playing field from 2pm, with the official opening ceremony at 2.30pm performed by Carnival Queen Shannon Weekes.

The family day will involve range of activities, stalls and entertainment followed by a free open air Banks Brass Band concert in the evening.

There will be a tug-of-war, bouncy castles, a childrens’ sports day, gymnastics display, arts and crafts stalls at the event.

Cllr Blane said he had been overwhelmed by the generosity of organisations and businesses within the village and surrounding areas, was keen to thank all those involved including sponsorship from the National Lottery and the West Lancashire CVS.

Official programmes are now on sale in shops throughout Banks village priced at £2 each.

The programme provides entry into the carnival raffle with a host of top prizes on offer, including tickets to a top family attraction and £100 Hotel Voucher.

For more information on the upcoming Banks Carnival, see the Facebook groups http:// on.fb.me/yXHyvH and http://on. fb.me/zcsBTp; to get involved in the event, email paulblane@hotmail.co.uk