“THE best ever” was the verdict on the annual Family Weekend organised by Shaw and Crompton Parish Council.
Back-to-back days were crammed with wall-to-wall events and activities to keep visitors of all ages and interests entertained.
From the official opening by Parish Council Chair Cllr David Bibby, in conjunction with Town Crier Andrew Powell, the centre of Shaw was taken over by a fun fair, street theatre, bouncy castles and plethora of stalls and stall holders.
Cllr John Hall said: “The event is a regular magnetism to the area and supported by charities, local shops and businesses.
“It was well attended by the public over each of the days, with a welcoming and friendly atmosphere throughout the whole event with entertainers and public interacting and enjoying the attractions provided.
“Comments from the public and shop keepers were all positive and all are looking forward the next event in 2019.
“It was agreed this event was the best held to date hosted by Shaw and Crompton Parish Council.”
Free entertainment stretched out the length of Market Street including: birds of prey, circus skills, assault courses, (mechanical) rodeo bull, crazy golf, Dizzy X, and helter skelter.
There were entertaining performances of Peter Pan, a magic act plus wandering street entertainers Edmund and Hilary, Val and Hella and the Busketeers, all presented by Revolution Radio.
Additionally, there was the Chairman’s charity market representing local charities in the area supporting causes such as Age Concern, Dr Kershaw’s Hospice, and a host of others.
The highlight of Sunday was the vintage car show and classic vehicle rally while other attractions included the big top band, birds of prey, Oldham Mountain Rescue Team and the continuing delights of the funfair on the main car park.
Many of the vehicles displayed are owned by long-time veterans to the event but many were new entries, all appreciating the parking on tarmac not open and often muddy fields.
The Chairman’s vehicle choice for the day was a Daimler double decker bus that led the vintage rally through Shaw and Crompton along a route devoid of speed bumps that are problematic to many of the vintage vehicles.
“Many participants enjoy the Rally as this is perhaps the only event that spectators see such vehicles being actually driven,” added Cllr Hall.