Duffield: Carnival day cancelled

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The floods of June 2007 forced Duffield carnival to be cancelled for the first time in 31 years. It was an unwelcome break in a village tradition which dates back to pre-war times and has always been well supported.

Duffield’s carnival queen Pauline Watson is crowned by racing driver Reg Parnell in the 1950s

In the 1930s, the carnival was held in the grounds of St Ronan’s School (now the headquarters of the Derbyshire Building Society) but it fell by the wayside during the Second World War.

Duffield pipe manufacturer Sir Arthur Aiton revived the tradition in the post-war period with a one-off fund-raiser for the Royal British Legion in the grounds of his home, Duffield Park.

Locals were very curious and excited about being welcomed inside the high walls which surrounded Sir Arthur’s home, and they turned up in force, dressing up for the occasion as a mark of respect to the Aiton family.

The event returned to St Ronan’s in the 1950s, supported by the Royal British Legion, and featured fairground style attractions such as the slippery pole and hoop-a-la, a flower and produce show, floats and, of course, a carnival queen and her attendants.

In the 1970s, when St Ronan’s closed, the event moved to Eyes Meadow where it has been held ever since.

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