Return of Winsford Carnival rests in public's hands

There is a desire in the town for Winsford Carnival to make a highly-anticipated comeback in 2025, following a 13-year hiatus.

But, Winsford Town Council has decided it cannot take the lead in putting on the event, meaning it will be up to residents to drive the project.

Following an extraordinary council meeting on Tuesday (July 30), mayor of Winsford Cllr Wayne Fletcher has urged the public to make it happen.

He said: “I would love to see this town have a carnival, and support from the public is growing, but unfortunately, the advisory committee didn't pass.

“This doesn't mean it can't happen, just that it can't be led by the council.

“If another organisation or a group of people wanted to reinstate the carnival, the council would help, but not lead.

“We know there is a thirst for it and no councillors were against the carnival, just the idea of the council taking the lead on it.

“If this is to happen, action would need to be taken soon as it is a lot to plan.”

The extraordinary Winsford Town Council meeting was held at St Andrew's Methodist Church (Image: Google Maps)

Winsford Carnival was last held in 2013, featuring music, sports, troupe dancing, a funfair and the return of the Salt Queen tradition.

This event itself marked the end of a seven-year hiatus, with the penultimate carnival taking place in 2007.

With a desire for the event to return in 2025, both within the council and local community, councillors were asked to consider creating an advisory committee.

Cllr Fletcher says for ‘many reasons’, the council decided not to do so.

Funding was one reason given, with such an event likely to be a large expense and having not been budgeted for, mainly as it is not clear exactly what the carnival would involve.

It was also felt there is a lack of time, with the 2025 edition pencilled in for July.

Councillors believed it would be too much work for the council’s office staff and that the events programme was already ambitious and that adding Winsford Carnival would be unsustainable.

The busy events calendar has also seen other projects, such as the restoration of Brunner Guildhall, pushed to the side.

Additionally, the committee would require lots of public involvement and while there is a large amount of support currently, councillors fear this may die off as the work becomes more difficult.

“It’s over to you Winsford, make it happen,” added councillor Fletcher.

“I know you want it. I want it. I just hope we can make it happen.”