Rothwell has a long history of fine entertainment.
In 1408, King Henry IV (son of John O'Gaunt of Rothwell) decreed that Rothwell should have two fairs per year, one in the month of July. Almost 600 years later, this still happens. May Day celebrations are held every May Day bank holiday and the Rothwell Carnival always takes place on the second Saturday in July.
1939
The picture on the right
(supplied by Mrs Homer) shows the Queen, Janet Homer (nee
Edwards) being crowned by Mrs Gwen Turner at the Gala in 1939.
Maid of Honour was Joyce Brooksbank and the Page Boy with
the blonde hair is Ronald Whitehead. The previous Queen in
the top right is Evelyn Nunns. Janet and some of the
others were from the Church School whilst the others were
from the Council School.
1956
This picture (courtesy of Dennis Carver), dates back to 1956.
Dennis is the Page Boy in front of the Queen.
1957
The Children's Day Queen of 1957 was Margaret Bateman (nee
Marshall) who is pictured here with her attendents,
Susan Taylor, Susan Dickinson, Jean Beckwith and Yvonne
Speake. (Picture courtesy of Margaret Bateman).
1990 to 2009
The "Rothwell Entertainments committee" was in operation between
1990 and 2009. The Rothwell Gala as the current carnival is
commonly known has been in happening for at least a
century in or around Springhead Park in Rothwell.
Todays Carnival
In October 2009 the old entertainments committee having stood down there was a hand over of responsibilities to a new reconstituted group called "Rothwell & District Carnival Committee.