Everything is hotting up ahead of Marsden’s Imbolc fire festival.
Festival organiser Angie Boycott-Garnett has revealed who is who behind the event, for which more than 1,000 people are expected to join its festival procession at 7pm on Saturday from the Old Goods Yard.
“I’ve been involved in the festival since it began in 1993”, said Angie.
“I started out running the community engagement side, which I still do now but in addition to being festival organiser.
“But there are many people who are heavily involved in the event, many of whom are also members of Marsden’s Thieving Magpie morris dancers.
“Duggs Carre, who came up with the idea for the festival, still helps put it on.
“Chris Hunter does our health and safety as well as hosting some of the educational workshops.
“He carries out all the risk assessments so we can get the relevant permissions.
“Paddy Clarkson also does workshops, while Keith Fermer leads a couple of fire group workshops.
“This group has grown over years and he helps to choreograph them.
“Chris Handy is our chief steward on the night and she looks after in between 60 to 70 people, some of whom have been volunteering with us for a long time..
“But everyone mucks in with everything that needs doing.
“A group of scouts from Linthwaite (SWEAT) also help out and this year the Holme Valley Mountain Rescue will be on hand in case of any accidents.”
Angie talked about the acts that ensure the festival keeps its spark.
“This year we’ll have Mr Fox dance troupe, who perform with fire.
“Pa-BOOM Phenomenal Fireworks put on our fireworks and us organisers will do a mummers’ play about the Green Man’s attempts to overcome Jack Frost.
“Slick Stick Sambastic and Barnsley Samba Band will play along with drummers from Hastings.
“Littleborough’s Oakenhoof clog dancers will perform too.”
For more information about Imbolc festival, go to Facebook and Search Imbolc Marsden.
Please be aware that dogs are not allowed at the event.
