HALE Carnival kicked off on Saturday in style with the town crier Jonathan Jones ringing in the opening of the festivities.

The afternoon fete proved entertaining for hundreds of Hale residents who were out in force to enjoy a warm sunny day, enjoy the freshly cooked barbecue food, real ales and Pimms, while children were entertained in the arena and by a magic show.

Committee chairman Martyn Winning said: “It was the best turn out ever, with hundreds of families flocking to the green to join in the fun. It was absolutely fantastic to see so many of the community come together to enjoy our wonderful annual event.”

Facebook comments have been coming in. Karen Snell thought the event was “fantastic” and Rosemary Hancock said it was “brilliant”.

Vicky Pearson said she and her family “loved it”, adding it is such a lovely family tradition now to attend, while Sue Hilton said it was another great evening and thanked the committee and the bands.

The day started with the Folly Hill School May pole dances in the arena, followed by the dog show, with the waggiest tail and the youngest handler having the most entries. The crowds both joined in and were entertained by playing Zorbing Football.

Once again a best-decorated house competition was run along Upper Hale Road, with the winners Andy and Tracy Robinson receiving a £50 prize.

The carnival procession at 6pm was a wonderful show of dancing, singing and creativity from groups and schools around the Hale area. The winners were:

• Class A – Folly Hill School – Where’s Wally.

• Class B – William Cobbett School – The 80s.

• Class C – Bethel Baptist Church – Get Connected.

• Class D – Opportunities - The Hale Networking Group - Our Community.

• Class E – John Emmerton – 1929 Austin 7 Tourer.

• Most Original – Bethel Baptist Church – Get Connected.

• Best in Show – Hale School – Scented Garden.

The afternoon and evening continued with music from Kings Pond Shanty Men followed by local duo Acoustic Driftwood, Late to the Party with a great rock set and The Toledos.

The crowd was up and dancing by this time and headlining were Keely and the Dealers, who rocked the crowd with hit after hit right up to the firework finale.

Mr Winning added: “It was a brilliant day out for all the family. As the committee runs the food, Pimms and beer tents, we aim to keep the prices affordable so many people can enjoy the whole day and stay right to the end to watch the amazing firework show and enjoy the fairground rides provided every year by John Connelly and his team.”

Mr Winning also wanted to acknowledge the “wonderful” 11 committee members and their helpers, especially those who turned up at 7.30am on Sunday morning to support the clear up. “Without them,” he said, “the event just would not happen”.

All profits from the beer, Pimms and food tents will go back into putting the carnival on again next year.

All additional money over costs will be donated back into the Hale Community. In the last 10 years the Hale Carnival has donated more than £60,000 to local good causes.

Full details on the Hale Carnival website www.halecarnival.co.uk.

The committee will have an AGM in October, where they will be recruiting for new committee members, and invites anyone interested in finding out more to email [email protected].