BARNARD Castle’s annual Meet celebrations were scaled back last year with a fraction of events taking place due to a lack of volunteers.
However, after an appeal for more residents to get involved, a revitalised Meet committee says this year’s event will be “bigger and better than ever” . Committee member Shona Robinson, said: “People have turned out in force and we have been busy over the past few months, planning and organising for this year.
“The committee has gone from two people to about 30, which is great and this year is going to be one of the best we’ve ever had. We’ve got lots of sub-committees which are responsible for different areas.” In fact, there are now 14 sub-committees overseeing bar, bunting, car treasure hunt, cash donations, fundraising, live bands, marketing, paperwork, the procession, pet show, raffle, show field and sponsorship.
There is even a group for stewards who will help man the road closure for the procession.
It was only due to a last minute appeal for volunters that the parade was able to go ahead in 2019. The upturn in the number of residents coming forward since then will see entertainment returning to the Demesnes on Bank Holiday Monday”- something which was hugely popular several years ago.
“We’ve already got a number of local bands signed up and we’re really, really excited about this,” Ms Robinson added.
A printed programme of events is also being produced to ensure all residents and visitors know exactly what and where activities will be happening.
Although the main Meet entertainment takes place on the last bank holiday in May, a number of fundraising events, including race nights and family evenings at Halloween and Christmas, have taken place bringing in more than £1,500.
More are planned in the coming months.
