NORTHWICH Carnival went ahead on Saturday with one notable absentee.

The death the day before of 90-year-old Marjorie Turner tinged the event with sadness, but in the words of her daughter Barbara she would have wanted the show to go on.

Marjorie, who was still selling raffle tickets up until the time of her death, had been involved with the annual event ever since Barbara was a maid of honour when the Beatles came to town in 1963 to crown the queen and sing at the Memorial Hall.

With her late husband Joe, and other officials she formed a human chain to protect all the children on the stage when fans surged forward to try and reach the fab four at what was the start of Beatlemania.

Northwich mayor Cllr Bob Robinson who opened this year’s carnival praised her hard work and dedication before calling for a minute’s silence.

Barbara, who gamely carried on with her duties as carnival secretary and MC for the day, said: “The show goes on that’s what mum would have wanted, she loved the carnival, and just wanted everyone to enjoy themselves.”

VIPS including the town mayor were left exposed to the elements when a huge sudden gust of wind whipped up the gazebo they were sheltering under and deposited it on a tent near the stage.

The weather also took its toll on numbers attending.