Leyland Festival opens search for parade participants

The Leyland Festival Parade has begun its search for bands, musicians, teams and schools to take center stage during the event.

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Groups including community groups, artists, dance troupes, vehicles, marching groups, businesses and charities are welcome to enter.

Renowned for its colour, talent and enthusiasm, the procession has been a historic feature of the Leyland Festival for over 130 years.

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This year, organizers are promising a stellar parade, with the festival date coinciding with the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee weekend celebrations.

This year the festival takes place on Thursday June 2 – the first day of a special extra-long bank holiday weekend – and has rightly chosen the theme of the ‘Great British Festival’ to honor this stage of the monarchy.

As in previous years, the parade will start its route at midday from the McDonalds roundabout at the end of Hough Lane, passing through Leyland town center along Hough Lane, Towngate, St Andrew’s Way, Church Road, before joining Worden Lane in Worden Park.

Community entries who choose to decorate and enter a float in this year’s procession will also have the chance to win a spectacular pizza party worth up to £1,000.

The ‘Best Dressed Float’ award was donated by The Flying Pig Pizza Company, whose co-owner Martin Stringfellow is also Vice Chairman of the Leyland Festival Committee.

Community floats will be judged on their creativity, impact, enthusiasm and, most importantly, how they represent the theme of the Great British Festival.

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Martin Carlin, Chairman of the Leyland Festival, said: “The parade is a much loved part of the Leyland Festival, the procession dating back to May 1889. It is a real spectacle and a centerpiece that sets the tone for the whole day.

“We encourage local individuals and groups to come forward, apply and help our community come together and celebrate at what is a major event on the South Ribble calendar.

“This year’s Leyland Festival will be bigger and better than ever and thanks to the support of South Ribble Borough Council we have waived the usual £3 advance and £5 daytime fee to enter Worden Park , to ensure local residents, their family and friends, as well as those from further afield, can enjoy the entertainment and festivities for free.

You can express your interest in this year’s festival parade by emailing [email protected].

Vehicle enthusiasts and owners wishing to present vehicles should inquire via Leyland Car Care.

A number of vehicles will be part of the parade, while others will be on display at this year’s all-new Worden Motor Village, sponsored by The Fox Group.

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Will you be present? Let us know in the comments below.