RESIDENTS across the borough celebrated the 13th anniversary of Atherton Carnival over the weekend.

On Sunday, June 12, people lined the streets from Market Street all the way to Meadowbank playing fields on Gloucester Street.

Returning for the first time since 2019 because of coronavirus restrictions, the carnival was deemed to be an "absolutely incredible" success.

Leigh Journal: Residents lined the streets for the Carnival on Sunday, June 12 (Pic: Keely Lane)Residents lined the streets for the Carnival on Sunday, June 12 (Pic: Keely Lane)

With school groups, brass bands, and fancy dress characters taking centre stage during the parade, the procession led towards Meadowbank fields where there were more than fifty stalls to keep residents entertained.

These included independent food and drink stalls, children's activities and charity stalls, as well as the funfair rides and live music also on offer.

Leigh Journal: Decorated transport paraded the streets in Atherton (Pic: Keely Ashton)Decorated transport paraded the streets in Atherton (Pic: Keely Ashton)

Leigh Journal: Brass and bagpipe bands entertained crowds on the way to Meadowbank fields (Pic: Keely Ashton)Brass and bagpipe bands entertained crowds on the way to Meadowbank fields (Pic: Keely Ashton)

After the success of the Jubilee street parties in Atherton just a week previously, Brian Seddon, Chair of the Carnival Committee, said that he was slightly concerned that Sunday's event wouldn't be as attended as organisers had hoped.

This doubt was quickly put to bed, however, as people across the community flocked out in support of the event.

Leigh Journal: People got into the fancy dress spirit for the Carnival (Pic: Keely Ashton)People got into the fancy dress spirit for the Carnival (Pic: Keely Ashton)

Leigh Journal: Brian Seddon, Chair of the Atherton Carnival CommitteeBrian Seddon, Chair of the Atherton Carnival Committee

Brian said: "It's been a couple of years since we have put the Carnival on due to Covid so after this, and the Jubilee events last week, I was worried about the crowds.

"But I couldn't have anticipated the amount of people who turned out to watch or get involved with the parade - it was absolutely incredible.

"We had something on for everyone and have had great feedback too - it's just really pleasing to see everyone out enjoying themselves once again."

Leigh Journal: The Carnival was said to be an "absolutely incredible" success (Pic: Keely Ashton)The Carnival was said to be an "absolutely incredible" success (Pic: Keely Ashton)