VIDEO & PICTURES: New Mills Carnival a hit for thousands of people

Once again the annual family fun day proved to a be a hit and organisers believe more 6,500 people came out to support the event.

One of the carnival committee members, Sean Whewell, said: “The parade was a real highlight, we had more music than ever before and lots more floats which I think helped add to the sense of occasion and made it feel a bit more special because it was longer.”

This year’s theme was the theatre and crowds were treated to performances from The Lion King, The Little Mermaid, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Michael Jackson’s Thriller from schools and groups.

Sean said: “By picking a generic theme it allowed people to express there creativity in such unique ways and I was so impressed with the effort everyone put into their floats.”

Mel Redfern, 25, from Charlesworth said: “I work in New Mills but have never been to the carnival before and it was great, the parade was amazing.”

Aaron Marchington, 26, from New Mills, was supporting his stepdaughter who was in the parade.

He said: “This is a great day and brings the town together, it’s nice to be part of something.”

After the parade, which also featured three pipe bands and two brass bands and a ghostbusters car, the fun headed to Newtown Recreation Ground, behind Swizzels Matlow.

There was a fair, a food court a bar and more family entertainment such as a climbing wall and games.

Sean said: “We wanted to create a family day out which didn’t result in parents having to put their hands in their pockets for everything.”

Stephen Potts, 64, from New Mills said: “We come every year but this is the best carnival we have ever seen, I have never seen so many people or floats - it is so well supported and the organisers have done a cracking job.”

The carnival has raised in excess of £1,000 for the New Mills Art Theatre and its new roof which Sean said was a fantastic achievement.