Stalybridge Festival Committee gears up for spectacular Stalybridge Show this May

Stalybridge Festival Committee is working hard behind the scenes to finalise arrangements for Stalybridge Show 2024 which will take place in Cheetham Park on Sunday 5 May.

Once again, its 5 metre Maypole will be the focal point of the performance area in the park with Sarah England’s Dance Academy - which always has a float at the Carnival - busy choreographing several dances around the Maypole.

Organising secretary, Ian Cochrane, said: “A fun packed afternoon of activities is planned for the Spring Show including a large family fun fair, many craft and community stalls, a Fun Dog Show and Dog Agility demonstrations.

"This year members of Dukinfield & Stalybridge Rotary Club will also be performing a short dance around the Maypole with its members busy practicing their routine under the guidance of Sarah England. I am sure this will be a memorable experience!

"The Spring Show helps to raise valuable funds for our annual Stalybridge Carnival which is now in its 48thyear. A key component of the Carnival is the crowning of the Stalybridge Carnival Queen in Cheetham Park following the Carnival Parade through the town centre.”

This year’s carnival will take place on Sunday 23 June with the Festival Committee seeking applications for following categories:

• Petal – Aged 3 to 5 years
• Rosebud- Aged 5 to 8 years
• Princess – Aged 8 to 10 years
• Junior Queen – Aged 10 to 14 years
• Queen – Aged 14+

The deadline for applications is Friday 5 April. Further information is available from Joyce Hobson (tel no: 0161 303 7087).

Joyce, president of Stalybridge Festival Committee, said: “Our Carnival Queens’ take a prominent position in the parade as it winds its way around the town centre and are seen by over 5,000 visitors lining the route as well as being formally crowned in Cheetham Park after the parade.

"This year we are very keen to seek nominations for each of the Carnival Queen categories particularly as this has been seen as being an important element of the Carnival."