Hundreds turn out for the annual Haxby Town Carnival

City of York Pipe Band led the children’s parade through the streets of Haxby, starting at the historic Grey Firs building at 11am on Saturday (July 11).

The parade snaked its way to Ethel Ward Playing Field in York Road, where the Haxby Carnival waited.

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Families enjoyed the event’s games, animal encounters, miniature train, fun fair, penalty shoot-out, a sensory den, market stalls and food vendors until 5.30pm.

Local scout and brownie clubs joined in with the fun at Ethel Ward Playing Field Carnival (Image: Newsquest)

The weather stayed warm and dry, with highs of 26 degrees.

A member of the village’s events committee said: “The Haxby Town Carnival is a very strong tradition going back over 40 years.

“It’s been such a brilliant turnout this year and it’s wonderful to see so many enjoying it today.”

Starting at Grey Firs at 11am on Saturday (July 11), the annual parade made its way to Ethel Ward Playing Field in York Road for the carnival (Image: Newsquest)

Among the market stalls was a community tombola, with prizes ranging from sweet treats, homeware and a range of wines and alcoholic drinks – which were kindly gifted from local businesses and residents.

The tombola aimed to raise as much as possible for the British Heart Foundation – a cause fundraisers chose to support after the loss of community figure and former vice-chairman of Haxby Town Council Cllr Grant Cockburn.

Cllr Cockburn sadly passed away in April this year.

Generous residents of Haxby raised money for the British Heart Foundation with their tombola, in honour of former vice-chair of Haxby Town Council and beloved community figure Grant Cockburn, who died unexpectedly in April this year (Image: Newsquest)

Speaking about this, chair of Haxby Town Council Cllr Ruth Pearson said; “Grant stepped into the role of council chairman at a particularly difficult time for Haxby Town Council and then became the vice-chairman – a position he held until his untimely death.

“Grant was hardworking, fierce, moral, honest and kind – an advocate for the people of Haxby and Wigginton.

“Sport was a huge part of his life. Grant was involved in so many activities – football, acting as both coach and referee for the junior teams, rugby, keeping fit, running.

“A keen former scouting leader. He would lead the parade at our annual carnival (something I think he secretly loved doing!)

“He believed in integrity, fairness, justice. He was a gentleman.

“As the man we worked alongside, councillors and staff will all miss his invaluable input into all our lives; his passion, selflessness and verve for life.

“His time was given freely, and we will all miss him so, so much. Haxby has lost a great supporter.”

Last year, the carnival tombola raised more than £800.

The day was made possible thanks to generous members of the Haxby community, Haxby Town Council and the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority.