VILLAGERS turned out in force for Kingsley Carnival – a biennial feast of family fun that also raised £1,000 to be shared between the community's youth club and two primary schools.
More than 1,000 people descended on the carnival field to enjoy the attractions, including live music, gymnastic displays, birds of prey, circus skills workshop, classic car show and various stalls and sideshows.
A huge montage of photographs depicting the history of Kingsley – which local children helped to create - was also unveiled during the event, which was opened by actor Luke Bailey, who played Sam in BBC Tv's Casualty, and has family in Helsby.
“People really turned out to support the event – it was brilliant!” said leading organiser Vonny Gwillim, who was assisted by Lynn Woodward and Sue Ireland, and more than 150 volunteer helpers on the carnival field.
“The walking parade went really well, with so many schoolchildren, youth club members, Scouts and Guides turning out, and the big thing for me was that it seemed everyone in the village got involved in some way. It was a great day!”
Twenty novelty scarecrows were created by villagers and displayed outside their homes in the run-up to the event, and they were judged on the day by Vale Royal Borough Councillor Ralph Oultram.
Scarecrows swinging and sliding outside the Red Bull pub won the competition.
A picture special from Kingsley Carnival will appear in the Country and Frodsham & Helsby editions of The Chronicle on Friday.
