Carnival Celebrates in Style

People packed into the village of Helmdon last weekend to enjoy a range of activities and displays as the Helmdon Carnival celebrated its 21st birthday.

The Carnival attracted more than 1,500 people over the course of the weekend with entertainment such as a performance by Northampton band Accrington Stanley, majorettes and a parachute display.

Organisers also invited visitors to form teams for an impromptu game of tug of war, and children were delighted when local man Nick Mead brought along his tank to give rides to the youngsters.

Carnival Committee Secretary Karen Valentine said: "It went really well.

"People did hang around for the parachute jump and the Friends of the Church in Helmdon were selling teas and home made cakes, which went down well.

"It seems to be a bit of a tradition to go and get cake and tea while you're at the carnival."

Helmdon Primary School won the shield for best float, shields and prizes were given out to people for the craft and produce side of the show and around 1,000 prizes were up for grabs in the tombola.

This year's event is thought to have raised around £3,500, the majority of which will go to local causes, including the Brackley Cottage Hospital and Sports Club in Helmdon.

Ms Valentine added: "This year we're hoping to put some money aside for our own tables - we usually have to borrow tables from groups like the WI and we feel that it would probably be easier if we had our own tables next year."

The Brackley Post - 29th August 2003