Following a three-year hiatus, Penrith May Day is set to be back with a bang for its 40th anniversary, which will include special appearances by a number of carnival queens from years gone by.
Organised by the Penrith Lions, a full programme of activities has been compiled for Monday, 1st May, complete with a fun fair in Sandgate car park and Great Dockray.
There will also be several street stalls and a display of classic and vintage vehicles in Middlegate.
A club spokesman said: “Please do come along, bring the family and have some fun – there is something to suit all ages – young and old.
“Penrith Lions May Day Carnival is just one of many activities we organise throughout the year to raise funds for local and international charities, none of which would be possible without the generosity of the people of Penrith and Eden and we thank you for your continued support during the year.”
Entertainment on the day is set to begin at 10am with games for all family in Devonshire Street, where the main stage will be set up, with Lions club member Bryan Gardner.
There will also be entertainment from the Lauren Oates cheerleaders, Langwathby Maypole dancers plus Bjamba and a samba band after that.
In Corn Market at the bandstand there will be Penrith Town Band, Peter Lapsley, who performs on Ullswater Steamers for their fish and chip suppers, and Vision Duo, who are two young ladies who impressed when they performed at the Queen’s jubilee celebrations at Penrith’s Townhead last year, followed by Absolutely and Soul Survivors.
In King Street, outside Penrith Building Society, there will be the Milnthorpe Steel Band, The Gatter Band plus cheerleaders.
This year’s May Queen is Isla Culverwell, 11, of Penrith’s Queen Elizabeth Grammar School and her attendants, who also attend the school, are Sophie Lee and Evelyn Scott, both 12.
The crowning of the Queen is at 2.15pm and the grand parade, which will feature classic cars and tractors, will start from Ullswater Community College at about 2,40pm.
Penrith Lions president John Rogerson said they were most grateful to Lee Quinn who had compiled a fantastic souvenir programme containing 26 photographs of former May Queens. It will be available in a number of outlets including the Herald office in King Street, Penrith Building Society, Styleline Hair and Beauty, Finesse Jewellery and Bridal, Penrith tic and the Pot Place at Plumpton.
