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Crossgates Carnival 2007: Event hailed a success
This year's Crossgates Carnival was hailed the best yet as rain failed to dampen the spirits of revellers who turned out to join in the fun.
Around 1,000 people braved the damp condition to make the most of Saturday's event at Manston Park and enjoyed a packed programme of activities
These include displays from local groups, bouncy castles, games, craft activities, face painting, circus skills, a football tournament and a free barbeque - all despite the constant threat of a downpour.
Extra tents and gazeebos were specially erected by organisers determined not to be beaten by the weather.
The Deputy Lord Mayor Councillor Rev Alan Taylor opened the Carnival, which is organised by the five churches in Cross Gates.
And over 60 volunteers helped to make the four fun-filled hours a huge success.
Other favourites included "Kerby" the Police's hedgehog and the Road Safety teams' car crash demonstrations. The Youth Service camped out in the shelter providing information and fun for older children. Many youngsters were delighted by the apperance of Stanks Fire Brigade and enjoyed being allowed to hop aboard.
Under the protection of canvas, the team of 5 face painters from across the churches had a constant stream of eager faces to paint, whilst nearby craft activities including making peg dollies, mobiles and bangers were in great demand.
As in previous years the football tournament organised by Rev Grahame Wray from Christ Church, proved popular. The winning team were presented with certficates and prizes following a stunning final explosion of energy in the marquee by the Jemski Dance Group.
The free barbeque served by Richard Dilnot and Steve Cooper from Manston St James was a roaring success with over 700 burgers and hot dogs being given away. And the conditions didn't stop peoples' apettite for the 2000 choc ices and lollies also distributed generously at no charge.
Karen Gray, the event coordinator and part of Church in the Home, said: "As churches together in Crossgates, we feel really strongly that Crossgates Carnival should be completely free.We wanted to work together to serve the community in a really practical way. We're so glad we were able to go ahead as everyone worked so hard to make it happen. I must admit many of us were praying about the weather last night - you could say today has been pretty miraculous given the forecasts! It certainly seems that we were right to persevere! Everyone has had such a great time"
The Carnival is the only event of its kind in Crossgates. Funding for the event comes predominantly from the churches themselves with a grant from Leeds City Council's Area Committe and a charity, Create.
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Weather for Leeds
Tuesday 22 May 2012
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