Carnival plans are being finalised for what is dubbed the Bowes’ ‘big bash’, in the Teesdale village, next month.

But the important selection of Carnival Queen and members of her entourage have been made ahead of the annual weekend celebration, on Saturday and Sunday, June 10/11.

Pupils from Bowes Hutchinson Primary School recently voted for should fill the prestigious roles.

Kate Tiplady will be this year’s Carnival Queen, succeeding Natasha McDonnell-Askew, and she will be attended by Poppy Anderson and Jessica Tiplady.

Blossom Brown and Ivy White are the appropriate choices for flower girls, while Freddie Morris fills the trusted position of crown bearer.

Freddie Gregory and Jack Cowperthwaite will be the pages and Josh Williams the herald.

This year’s carnival fancy dress theme is ‘food and drink’.

The carnival committee, complete with several new faces, is putting the finishing touches to its event planning, but secretary Rosie Bettison said there is much enthusiasm for the forthcoming community celebration.

 “I think that after the enforced break for Covid, people in the village have a renewed enthusiasm for community events and celebrations.

“We’re all raring to go!”

The fancy dress parade will make its way up the village street to the school field at 1pm on the Saturday.

Following judging of the food and drink-themed fancy dress outfits, there will be more fun on the school field, with bouncy castles, games, plus book, cake, plant and side stalls.

There will also be a circus skills session with local resident Sarah Pickin-Bullivant, music from Barnard Castle Band and other family entertainment, provided by a welcome return visit from carnival favourite Professor Pumpernickel. 

A family games night with a disco will take place in the village hall on the Saturday evening, from 6.30 to 9.30pm.

The annual family sports event will take place on the Sunday afternoon.

It will include the highly anticipated welly-wanging contest and a fun family football match.

The afternoon will conclude with the draw of the annual carnival raffle.

Further timings and information will be available nearer the time from committee members.

But there is a plea for volunteers who can help out on either day.

Anyone with an hour or two to spare should contact any one of the committee members, Mike and Rosie Bettison, Tracy Luck, Lynn Todhunter, Michelle Matthews, Sheila Walker, or Steph, Mark, Janet and Jason Williams.