COTHERSTONE Carnival committee took advantage of sunny weather by holding its latest meeting in a play park to finalise forthcoming festivities in the village.
The 20-strong team was formed last year after the retirement of long-standing carnival volunteers. The new group put together a scaled-back socially distanced fancy dress parade during partial lockdown last year to ensure there was some fun in the village. Building on that success, the volunteers have organised a full programme of events with something for everyone.
Kelly Green, chairwoman, said: “We’re sticking to the basic ingredients but in slightly different areas and doing our best to keep it positive in Cotherstone.”
Activities will be spread across three days starting on Friday, July 23. Once again, the village is hosting a scarcrow trail, this year with the theme of heroes and villains.
Mrs Green added: “We’ve got about 27 entries already and there will be a printed trail map available as well as a map on our Facebook page and webpage. We’ve also put together a fete for Saturday in the school grounds and there’ll be the usual duck race, sports and games, and a fancy dress parade, with a dog show on Sunday.”
The format for the socially-distanced procession was so popular last year that people will once again parade around the village on a set route after judging, meaning residents will be able to stay at home if they want to and enjoy the spectacle.
Mrs Green said: “It was really well received last year as it wasn’t as crowded and there are a lot of people who don’t leave their home at the moment, so they simply have to have a seat outside and can still enjoy the show.”
Middleton and Teesdale Silver Band will be performing on the village green during the afternoon.
A new addition is a dog show on Sunday starting at 10am on the village green. There will be ten classes as well as best in show and reserve best in show. It costs £1 to enter per class. For more information, visit cotherstone
funweekend.blogspot.com or follow on Facebook.com/CotherstoneFunWeekend.
