Carnival
Posted by Cynonpuss from Aberdare on the 24th August 2008
I have participated in the carnival for many years as part of a walking group. This year I was unable to do so, but became a spectator.
My heart went out yesterday to the few people who participated in the carnival and walked the route. It was soul destroying, the Mayor, one band, Colstars, ATS marching, Ultimate Stage, two dance schools, a chid group and a few individual walkers.(apologies if I missed anyone - but I dont think I have), all over in less than 10 minutes.
Not only was the parade very sparse, but so were the people en route and particularly in town to support them.
It really needs rethinking - as has been said many times perhaps a change of weekend (not a Bank Holiday when so many are away), more publicity (no town caravan this year) and of course a much needed injection of funding and sponsor ship.
The weather hasn't helped much this year, the park is like a bog, perhaps it could start and end in the Ynys and the Sports Hall used for 'fun' after.
Yep easy for me to say I know, but I can see the demise of this event - and it would be such a shame.
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I can remember the Carnival in Aberdare park many many years ago, All our family used to go , and Dad was on a float from the factory were he worked,and there was always a good turnout.it is a shame that it is pooly attened we had a great time, it was the high light of the year for us .
I didn't go to the carnival this year as we were doing other things, but I have to re-interate the words that I said last year, and that is on a Bank holiday people tend to do other things. Unfortunately though, I think the main problem is funding! It would be nice to see the return of the big carnivals that we had when I was a child, but I fear this will not happen largely due to funding issues. I do agree that it needs a re-think, and if it does continue, maybe move it to a different weekend as people like myself who work full time like to make the most of the Bank holiday weekend, which often means going away for the weekend. I agree, it would be a shame to see the event discontinued.
Aberdare Carnival use to be great years ago ,even after we moved away we always went to Aberdare for the day just for the carnival it was a good day out. There use to be loads of jazz and marching bands in their colourful outfits from all over the valley in the prossession and lots and lots of floats.You had a job to get a good road side spot to watch them all parade by.
Such a shame to hear that it no longer draws the crowds.
thank you for your comments. we have tried the sports centre many years ago but did not work as the road layout has changed we are not allowed to walk from the sports centre to town due to the highways. as for the caravan the carnival changed last year and formed a carnival company and show limited as we felf that the committe of cancer research could focus on seperate fundrasing as the carnival always dominates meetings. there are two directors of the company, they can only do so much we cannot make people dress up and do floats, cynon valley museum got involved this year and put on a fab walking display of children dressed up. there is not a lot we can do about the park the weather is out of our hands. as for the bank holiday it will be changed to the last saturday in august next year. there was plenty of advertising, posters and the cynon valley leader. if anyone would like to help, we are open to suggestions to impove the carnival
missgemini
What a shame about the carnival. Previous comments on here, about years gone by, when unless you went early to see the Parade, you wouldn't have a chance because of the crowds.
There used to be quite a number of jazz bands, floats and people walking along all dressed up in so many colourful costumes.
There is not the same atmosphere now, unfortunately. No jazz bands around, no-one puts a thought to advertising their company with dressing up a float, as they used to.
There is a lot to be said for the time of year that it's done, as so many on here have said, so many people go away this time of year.
It's a shame not to have a carnival in Aberdare - I hope lots of suggestions are given to improve it.
It’s a great pity the carnival had such a poor turn out.
If it was altered to the last Saturday in the month, I personally don’t think it will make a lot of difference.
The days of Dunlop’s , NCB, Sobell’s, Murphy’s, and the other major sponsor’s, that made it such a success in past years have sadly gone.
The health and safety regulations have probably a lot to do with the demise of floats.
Firms are not going to supply transport with the possibility of a claim against them for a possible infringement, which you can’t blame them.
Laws and regulations have disrupted everything that people used to enjoy.
No fault can be laid at the organisers part, you can’t parade what you haven’t got.
No one seems to be interested in forming, equipping, training, the old type jazz bands anymore, the individuals that used to parade not only in the Aberdare but all local Carnivals, are very scarce on the ground.
Only a thought would it make a difference if you reversed the route and hold it in the Ynys instead, or would that cattle grid to the entrance put it out of the question.
The weather you can’t do a thing about, that’s in the lap of the gods.
Thank you for your comments.
As one of the Directors of the Aberdare Carnival & Show Company Ltd. I am glad people are talking. The points in the comments mean a lot. To address the lack of floats in the parade is due to health and safety. This year there where three main arena attractions something never seen before. The weather and conditions under foot made it hard for every one. The event to date has been the best and my family have been involved with carnival for almost 70 years. My Grand father used to show the Aberdare Urban District Council Ash Carts many years ago. If you want this event to grow the its up to the community. Yes we have looked at changing the date but we where lucky this year the date we are always on was one of the dry days in August In years gone by Jazz bands where part of the Carnival now each band costs £250 just to walk in the parade. We have local brass band who you think would love to show off they are in the community but they don’t even come to play in the park or take part I the parade. The Carnival in Aberdare has been around a long time more than the 42 years its been working for Cancer Research Uk. If we call an open meeting to get helpers then people don’t come and we are left to carry the bag and try to do more the following year. Remember there is very little industry left in the Cynon Valley. One floats came from big companies like “Sobell, Dunlop, Aberdare Cables, and local miners halls these have al gone and the people who get involved should be praised. My final comment is you have to be in it to enjoy it so do something and join the fun.
Please send me comments at rowenjeff@hotmail.co.uk Thank you for the comments.
Jeff
Despite the demise of industry in the valley, why don't the likes of Asda,Tesco,Woolworths, Penderyn Whiskey support the carnival/organise a float? The supermarkets announce huge profits,so they should be able to contribute SOMETHING??
Also, local buisnessmen like the Webb brothers eh??
I think that there is a great deal of money around in the valley. I think it would be a great shame to lose the carnival.
As a Director of Aberdare Carnival & Show Co Ltd I welcome all of your comments.40 years ago people did not go away for the bank holiday, but now families tend to use the August Bank Holiday as a last chance to take a break away together before the children return to school. As the Show is a community event raising much needed funds for Cancer Research UK, what better time to stage such an event than while the children are still at school. Having been involved with the carnival & show for 23 years I have seen a decline in the number of spectators lining the streets & attending in the park. Jeff & I have discussed the possibility of changing the date for 2009 to the last Saturday of June, we would appreciate any thoughts that you have on this point. You can email us both direct on aberdare-show@hotmail.co.uk or leave comments on this site for all to read. With regard to the comments about Asda, Tesco & Woolworths participating in the parade, again the open invitation is always there but if the people working in the stores don't want to get involved there is nothing we as a company can do.
If you would like to help in anyway Jeff & I would be very happy to hear from you, It is a lot of hard work to organise this event & there is only the two of us any comments or assistance would be most welcome.
Best wishes to you all
Steve Staszewski
Events Director
Aberdare Carnival & Show Co Ltd
Aberdare Carnival & Show
27 June 2009 - 28 June 2009
10.00-17.30
A FREE PUBLIC ENTRY community event with an It's a Knockout theme for 2009 with fun fair & stalls in the park & a Carnival parade round the town all welcome so come along enjoy yourselves & support Cancer Research UK.
Over 2 days, the Saturday sees stalls, arena displays & the Carnival, whilst on Sunday there is a Jazz Band competition & 5km charity fun run.
www.aberdare-show.co.uk
Ticket information
Contact Steve 07527 304261 for details on parade entry or if you wish to enter a team of 10 persons (entry fee applies) for the It's a Knockout competition or if you are a trader interested in having a pitch at the show or for any info about the show you can email info@aberdare-show.co.uk
Lets hope the Carnival does better this year . Years ago it was the highlight or the year and there was always a good turn out. i would love to get there if i can but it is a long drive for me just for one day.
Yes the carnivals of years ago were great fun for the kids and adults alike.
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A bit of info now on what's taking place at the Colosseum on 12th. May at 2 p.m.
A play by the name of "Cofio" I believe it is one taking you back to the happenings during the influx of evacuees to the Welsh valleys in 1943.
Should be a light entertaining afternoon for those of you that like to reminisce or to learn what went on during those dark days.
Have fun
Cymro.