BARNARD Castle’s traditional bank holiday carnival procession might be called off if more volunteers don’t come forward, say organisers.
Activities and entertainment have already been scaled down for this year’s Barnard Castle Meet due to lack of funds and helpers.
Organisers say they want to focus on retaining the traditional procession on Monday, May 27. However, even this may now be cancelled. Lesley Taylor, from the Barnard Castle Meet committee, said: “We need more volunteers to steward the road closure points, otherwise the parade won’t go ahead.”
The procession, which sets off from Glaxo car park, in Harmire Road and finishes on the Demesnes, requires a formal road closure. For this each entry point onto the main procession route needs to be manned with at least one person to stop traffic from entering.
Ms Taylor added: “We do have some people who have volunteered already, but in order to have each point manned properly we need about 25 or 26 volunteers.”
She is keen to keep the tradition alive after saying that
police have said if the parade is not held, permission would not be granted to close such a major road for two hours again.
Anyone who wishes to volunteer to help with the parade should contact Ms Taylor on 0781 300110.
She said: “Anyone volunteering for the stewarding of the road closure needs to attend a briefing with Sgt Simon Rogers at 11.30am outside YMCA Teesdale, in Galgate, and will need to be in place at their road closure post by 12.15pm until 2.15pm.”
There had also been plans to host a bands night at the Hub on Sunday, May 26, but this will now not be going ahead. However one event, which has proved hugely popular over the years, will happen.
The pet show will take place on Sunday, May 26, at the TCR Hub. There will be 12 classes including pedigree pure breds, Heinz 57 bred, baby up to six months, teenager up to 12 months, “golden oldie” ten years and over, best six legs, cutest rescue or rehomed pet, best scaly or shelly friend, best feline friend, pets with the waggiest tail, best furry friend and pet looking most like its owner or the other way around. Winners from each of the 12 classes will go through for the grand finale and best in show title.
Entry for the pet show is £2 per class and the registration starts at 10.30am on the day with judging taking place at 11am. However, organisers are keen to receive entry forms before the event.
