Bernard to open Bishop's Castle Carnival wearing granddad's outfit
Parade marshal Bernard Edwards won't exactly be putting on his new suit as he officially opens Bishop's Castle's 120th carnival on Sunday, July 2. In fact, what he will be wearing will be a real museum piece made for his granddad.
Bernard will don the outfit which was specially made in the 1930s for Walter Edwards, the first parade marshal, by a Mrs Alum, who was the wife of the local tin maker and lived in Union Street in the town.
The outfit worn by the parade marshal is kept at Bishop's Castle Heritage Resource Centre.
Bernard's family has a long association with the carnival. His mother Rita Coxall has been on the carnival committee for 69 years and in 2012 was the Diamond Jubilee carnival queen.
Press officer Karen Bavastock said: “I was so pleased when Bernard agreed to wear the parade marshal outfit once again and to open the carnival. It seems very fitting that on the 120th anniversary that we have someone whose family has a long history in helping to organise the event. Bernard himself is always available to lend a hand which is what the carnival is all about.”
The first recorded carnival took place in 1897 and to celebrate its 120th anniversary a number of different events are taking place which include a town trail on Friday starting from the Castle Hotel at 6pm and finishing at the Six Bells at 8pm.
Carnival day will start with the floats gathering at Church Bank at noon onwards ready for judging at 12.30. The walking classes will be judged on the carnival field this year and this will take place in the main ring after the crowning of the carnival queen Emma Gwilliam and carnival princess Megan Morris.
The traditional carnival parade will start at 1pm led by parade marshal Bernard who will be officially opening the carnival when the procession arrives on the playing fields at 2pm.
There will also be a display of carnival photographs including carnival kings, queens and junior kings and queens along with some of the parade marshals over the years in the secretary’s tent on carnival day.
In addition, the final book on the history of the carnival will be launched at the event and to also commemorate the 120th carnival a tea towel has been designed by Karen and Amanda Houghton, who has also provided the illustrations, and will be available for sale on carnival day.
Karen said: “I asked local people to come up with words about what Bishop's Castle means to them and have gathered these together and combined them with a series of illustrations which have been done by Amanda on buildings within the town. We will be taking delivery of the tea towels ready for sale on carnival day.
"The only thing which cannot be organised is the weather. However that has never stopped us yet and the people who attend have always come up trumps. It is amazing how, year on year, people surpass themselves with floats and costumes and get involved in the spirit of our well-loved carnival.”
