Hucknall ready for Christmas Carnival
ONE of Hucknall's councillors is to switch on the Christmas lights in his home town tonight (Wednesday December 2).
Coun Gordon Riley (Con), who is vice-chairman of Ashfield District Council, will have the honour of lighting the civic Christmas tree on Hucknall Market Place as a highlight of the town's 15th Christmas Carnival.
Coun Riley's escort for the evening will be his daughter, Susan Brown, while his 12-year-old grand-daughter, Abigail Brown, will also be taking part in the ceremony.
The tension-building countdown to the switch-on will be performed as usual by Emma and Twiggy from 96 Radio Trent FM's breakfast show.
A special feature this year is an appearance on stage by Phil Rostance and The Marshall Band, who were formed in the middle of July and are fast becoming one of the most in-demand cover bands in the East Midlands.
They made their debut with an exciting performance at the 'Party In The Park', which was held at Hucknall Titchfield Park in September in aid of the Help For Heroes appeal for British troops wounded in current conflicts.
The band blend 1950s and 1960s rock 'n' roll with anthemic hits from across the decades, combining Phil's charismatic stage performance with Ben Marshall's soaring guitar tones.
Other musicians in the band include Tom and Adam Cable, Nick Wright, Josh Boardman, Sophie Harris and Rhianne Poole.
Organised by Hucknall Rotary Club, the carnival will once again include a big parade from outside the Aldi store off Portland Road into the town centre.
The club's spectacular Santa's sleigh will be the centre-piece of the procession, which is to be led by a Boys' Brigade band. For the first time, Nottinghamshire Fire Service will be represented with a decorated vehicle.
A Christmas market will be held at the John Godber Centre in nearby Ogle Street as part of the carnival and there are more than 25 different stalls, all fully booked up.
The centre's events manager, Louise Moody, said: "All kinds of goods will be on offer, including jewellery, food and Christmas hampers. Even nail extensions will be available."
Groups with carnival displays at Central Methodist Church in Baker Street will include Hucknall Heritage Society, Hucknall Library Local History Group and Hucknall University of the Third Age (U3A).
Exhibition organiser Maureen Newton said: "Visitors will be able to browse archives and photos, have a chat, ask questions and stop for a welcome cuppa."
Across the Market Place at the Parish Church, the coffee bar will be open and there will be carol singing.
Any children wanting to meet Santa Claus during the event can call at his grotto at the 2nd Hucknall Scout Group headquarters behind the John Godber Centre off Ogle Street.
In addition, Gordon Pearson's funfair will again be a colourful attraction on the Market Place.
Hucknall's police chief, Inspector Russell Dew, said the event would be well policed but he did not expect any trouble.
He added: "Most people act responsibly and the carnival is an excellent community event."
TIMETABLE OF EVENTS
From 5.30 pm: Christmas market at John Godber Centre.
6.20 pm: On stage with Radio Trent Roadshow.
6.40 pm: Start of carnival parade from near Aldi store, off Portland Road, up High Street to the Market Place.
6.54 pm: Arrival of the parade with Santa Claus on his sleigh.
6.55 pm: Countdown by Twiggy and Emma, of Trent FM, to lights switch-on.
7 pm: Switch-on of the lights by the vice-chairman of Ashfield District Council, Coun Gordon Riley (Con).
On Market Place: Gordon Pearson's funfair.
Around town: Attractions at Hucknall Parish Church, Central Methodist Church and Santa's grotto in 2nd Hucknall Scout Group headquarters at back of John Godber Centre in Ogle Street.
Street collection by St John Ambulance members, who will again be on duty for the carnival.
Refreshments at Hucknall Parish Church and Central Methodist Church.
Carnival organised by Hucknall Rotary Club and supported by Ashfield District Council and the Dispatch.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Hucknall
Wednesday 23 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 12 C to 26 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: North
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 11 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: North east
