Westhoughton Carnival returns in Central Park after 20 years

The revived event, organised by Howfen Wakes and branded as a “Party in the Park”, marked the first carnival in the town since 2007 and was officially opened by Emmerdale actor Joe-Warren Plant.

Families packed the park throughout the day, enjoying attractions ranging from children’s rides and fairground games to food vendors, live entertainment, and community displays.

There were dozens of rides and carnival games. (Image: Newsquest)

The carnival has a long history in Westhoughton, having originally begun as a produce fair before growing into a major annual event featuring elaborate floats and parades through the town centre.

Rising costs, particularly around road closures, eventually led to its disappearance nearly two decades ago.

Saturday’s event represented a major milestone in efforts to bring the celebration back.

Across the park, visitors queued for attractions including the Super Jets ride, children’s train rides, and traditional fairground games, while traders offered everything from sweets and doughnuts to burgers, pizza, coffee, and Greek street food.

A Gyros from Malaka Brothers Greek Street Food. (Image: Newsquest)

Food stalls proved particularly popular, with vendors including Simply Delicious World Foods, Sweet Things, and Malaka Brothers serving carnival-goers throughout the afternoon.

One of the busiest attractions came in the form of the dog show, which drew large crowds to the arena as owners and their pets competed in a variety of categories.

Among the winners was Daniel Taylor and his three-year-old dog Buddy, who claimed the Best Trickster title after impressing judges with a series of tricks, including a crowd-pleasing hoop jump performed with the help of Daniel’s son.

Daniel Taylor, his son, and dog Buddy, who won ”Best Trickster’ in the dog show. (Image: Newsquest)

Speaking after the competition, Daniel said: “We’ve taught him loads.

“It started as a way of bonding with him but he just took to it so well.

“This is the first competition we’ve ever entered.

“It’s just a bit of fun but it’s been great and we’ve loved it.”

The pair were presented with a medal following their victory and posed for photographs alongside Buddy after the competition.

Community organisations were also well represented at the event.

Members of Bolton Lions Club attended with their Human Fruit Machine attraction and a Hook-a-Duck stall, both helping to raise money for local causes.

David Seager, a member of Bolton Lions Club, said: “Today we’re raising money with our Human Fruit Machine, which is the second time we’ve run it.

“We wanted to introduce some new games, so that’s one of the attractions we’ve got on today.”

He added: “The money we raise today will go towards local causes.”

John Crompton, president and treasurer of Bolton Lions Club, said the funding was aimed at smaller organisations that can often struggle to access larger grant schemes.

“We’ve launched a grant scheme for local groups carrying out voluntary work,” he said.

“That could include schools, Cub Scout groups, amateur societies, or any community organisation looking to fund a small project.

“The grants are worth up to £250 and are intended to support the sort of smaller projects that often struggle to access larger funding streams.”

Mr Crompton said the club hopes to support several projects through a simple application process before holding a presentation evening for successful applicants.

“Ultimately, it’s about supporting other community groups and helping them make a difference locally,” he added.

The carnival showcased a wide variety of attractions throughout the day.

Crowds gathered around food courts and picnic areas beneath sunny skies, while children enjoyed rides spread across the park.

Visitors could choose from an extensive range of refreshments, including burgers, hot dogs, chips, speciality coffees, frozen treats, crepes, doughnuts, and international street food.

Among those serving hungry attendees was Tracy Chadwick, who was working at the Simply Delicious World Foods stall as customers continued to queue for food during the afternoon.

Tracy Chadwick, serving food at Simply Delicious. (Image: Newsquest)

Weather conditions improved as the event progressed, with early cloud giving way to bright sunshine that helped create the atmosphere organisers had hoped for.

The strong turnout will be welcomed by organisers, who have spoken previously of their ambition to establish the carnival once again as one of Westhoughton’s most important annual community events.

For many residents, the return of the carnival was about more than rides and entertainment.

It was the revival of a much-loved local tradition that generations of families remember from years gone by.

Judging by the crowds filling Central Park, the appetite for its return remains as strong as ever.