Hundreds of people flocked to Crewe town centre for a "fantastic" free bank holiday event supported by Co-op, targeting a 2024 return for the town's lost carnival.

'Our Crewe; Let's Celebrate' took place in the newly-developed Lyceum Square performance and events space on Monday 28 August.

Running from 12pm until 6pm, the event showcased aspects of Crewe life, including its heritage, performing arts background and community spirit.

'Our Crewe; Let's Celebrate' showcased aspects of Crewe life, including its heritage, performing arts background and community spirit (Ryan Parker).

The Cat radio hosted at the event, with Co-op running a spin the wheel competition for new and existing members, promoting the benefits of being a member with a variety of prizes to be won.

Locals could enjoy something for everyone, including taster samples of Co-op products, a face painter for the younger ones and even music and entertainment.

There were also live performances from Bombay Baja Band, Thai Boxing, AJT Dance, St Michael's Entertainers and X Academy.

Co-op store manager in Crewe, James Lea, told Nub News: "This event was really big success. There were more visitors than expected.

"It shows there is an appetite for an event of this nature and we've had positive feedback from people who attended.

Co-op set up a history mural inside Crewe Central, with key information on its past within the town.

There were also live performances from Bombay Baja Band, Thai Boxing, AJT Dance, St Michael's Entertainers and X Academy (Ryan Parker).

There was a craft area to paint and decorate pebbles, with a pebble train in Memorial Square for those already finished.

Bentley Motors attended the event, bringing a car inside Crewe Central.

Co-op Member Pioneer, Ben Wye, said: "Over 500 people passed through Lyceum Square, there was a constant flow of people.

"No one was charged to set-up and we want to welcome more businesses in the town to get involved and play a part next year.

"This new events and performance space [LY2] is amazing. It's great to make the most of it with events like this."Such a big name like Bentley coming here with a car was brilliant.

"We thank everyone who came to the event. We encourage them to come back next year and bring their families and friends."

Co-op set up a history mural inside Crewe Central, with key information on its past within the town (Ryan Parker).

Mayor of Crewe, Dennis Straine-Francis, officially started the event, with Cat radio playing music in-between live performances.

Local community groups, Crewe Clean Team and Crewe Shedders, supported by Co-op members, also had stalls at the event - encouraging people to sign-up.

Co-op Member Pioneer Co-ordinator, Stuart Mackay, said: "This idea of potentially bringing back a carnival for Crewe has inspired so many people.

"The events which have been going on have been incredible, giving everyone a taste of what we can achieve.

"From a Co-op perspective, this event has demonstrated a commitment to the local community with a willingness to get involved.

"It has been great to people to such about such positive things for the town. It has been a fantastic event."

Co-op ran a spin the wheel competition for members with a variety of prizes to be won (Ryan Parker).

'Our Crewe; Let's Celebrate' was conceptualised and led by Co-op Funeralcare service manager, Romelda Wright.

She told Nub News: "I'm proud to confirm was successful and positively received by all those that attended the event.

"In particular there were overwhelming expressions of excitement about the return of a Carnival in 2024 and beyond.

"I was impressed by the sharing of past Carnival experiences of those previously held.

"Many regrets were expressed that the annual celebration of Crewe had simply been allowed to die.

"The intention is to make "Our Crewe – Let's Celebrate" an annual event that will be held on August Bank Holiday Monday.

Over 500 people passed through Lyceum Square for the event, with a constant flow of people checking it out (Ryan Parker).

"I would like to thank Co op for their support in providing the activities and marketing, especially Emma Aitken, and the invaluable support of head of client operations, Mike Pengelly, who was a constant source of encouragement in progressing the event. 

"I would also like to thank Co-op Food, in particular, food store manager, Carl Beveridge, who donated prizes, member pioneers, Ben Wye and Stuart Mackay, who worked on the heritage details and Co-op FuneralCare colleagues, Pat James and Louise Rees, who co-ordinated, attended and participated in the event managing stalls and driving the Land Rover hearse. 

"Another major contributor was Crewe Creative Champions, who gave their time and effort to help plan the event and the hope is that they will benefit from the recruitment of new volunteers as a result of this. 

"A big thank you must go to all the acts and stall holders who attended and other supporters including CAT Radio and Bentley who have agreed to work in partnership with us for next year's event. 

"With this in mind, we will be looking to broaden our appeal and look for support and sponsorship from local businesses and even more community organisations.

'Our Crewe; Let's Celebrate' was conceptualised and led by Co-op Funeralcare service manager, Romelda Wright (Ryan Parker).

"The aim of 'Our Crewe – Let's Celebrate' is to demonstrate all we have to offer to both the traditional town folk and to include those new to the town as the population of Crewe expands into the place to live and work.

"We are looking forward to a new vibrant attitude to Crewe, especially with the vast capital expenditure of HS2 and other associated projects. See you again next year."

READ MORE: Another Crewe town centre business set to close for retail park.

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