All set for a bigger, better Rushden Carnival

Everything is ready for Rushden’s Carnival tomorrow and all that the organisers can do at this stage is to keep their fingers crossed and hope that it turns out to be a fine day.

The parade and events afterwards at Spencer Park promise to provide plenty of interest and enjoyment for the public. This year the parade is expected to be bigger and better than ever before. Something like four hundred entry forms have been taken out by members of the public.

It begins at 2.15 p.m. and will follow the route taken in previous years: Washbrook Road, Wellingborough Road, Church Street and High Street, to end back at Spencer Park.

The float which will carry the Carnival Queen, Miss Beverley Tipler, and her two attendants, Miss Carolyn Harvey and Miss Lorraine Gell, in the parade, is being made by Robert Marriott Ltd, the Rushden building firm for whom Miss Tipler works.

The form it will take is being kept a close secret by the firm though they did disclose that it would be different from the floats seen in previous years.

The aim of the organisers this year is to raise £1,000

They have been given an encouraging start in the form of a £50 donation from the RATS and 15 guineas from Rushden Town Cricket Club. Last year the total was £908.

Half an hour is being allowed for the parade to disband at Spencer Park before the prize giving, but in the meantime the public will be able to amuse themselves at the gas and electrical appliance exhibition and numerous other sideshows and attractions.

The fire fighting display and police dog demonstration in the arena should provide plenty of thrills; while the Query Club can usually be relied on to amuse the crowd with their clowning.

Among the other arena events will be a demonstration by the Blue Orchids Carnival Band, Rushden and Higham Ferrers Rugby Club seven-a-side rugby match, and a judo display by Rushden Youth Club members.

The evening firework display held in the past has been discontinued and instead there will be a dance in a large marquee in the park to the music of Jack Lantsbery and his Jazzmen.