Penrith Lions 40th May Day Carnival

1st May 2023

by Lee Quinn

I’ve written about it, and I have talked about it, but as I write this reminder, I am just 55 days away from the biggest and longest-running signature event in the History of Penrith. As you start reading this, it might be 35 days or less, but it is happening and this traditional family day where there is something for everybody will be upon us before you realise it!

As early as the August 2022 Eden Local, this year’s carnival was announced. It was the first August Eden Local since 2019, and our last May Carnival was on 6th May 2019. I was there with the Eden FM team by the Musgrave Clock. It started out bright, but didn’t we get wet as the day progressed? Looking ahead to 1st May 2023, the long-range weather forecast is dry, 15 degrees with the odd cloud.

There was a time when we would say come rain or shine, the Carnival carries on. The first Lions May Carnival was on 4th May 1981 and I can tell you that Bucks Fizz with ‘Making your mind up’ was No1 in the Charts, after winning the Eurovision Contest - that back then was on 4th April. Unfortunately, I haven’t got much history on the first Carnival at the moment. Maybe you can help? Were you there? Do you have a programme or a relative who was there?

The Penrith Lions was established in 1975, but as mentioned, the first Carnival came six years later. If anyone has got any history they can share about the Penrith Lions during this time, I would really appreciate any thing you have. For now, my research is into the history of the Carnival event for the 40th Carnival Anniversary, because as I’ve learnt and discovered, there was one year when it was moved to August.

Telling you too much about what I know might spoil the 40th anniversary quiz featured in the 40th anniversary programme. It’s a masterpiece of print history! Just recently I was given a 2nd May 1983 eight-page programme printed on pink paper, one of many colours used, and styles. In the pink programme was the previous landline owner of my phone number! Of course, it only had five numbers then.

In 1983 there was the Children’s Sports on Sunday 1st May on the Foundry Field. As I said, I would love to tell you more, but in the May Day programme this year is the history of the Penrith Lions previous Carnivals, and as we prepare for 2023, this not just the return of this event, but the laying of the foundations for the 2024 Carnival and the 50th anniversary of the Penrith Lions in 2025.

I am still in search of all the May Queens from 1981. I know of 23, based on the programmes I have, but I am missing the following programmes, which I need to copy and recreate for something special. They Penrith Lions Carnival programmes

I’m am looking to borrow from the 80s are;- 1981, 82, 84, 85, 86, 87 and 88. From the 1990’s are 1991, 92, 94, 96 more recently 2010 its 2011, 12 and 15. If you can help, my contact details are on page 4.

Can

you Help?

More volunteers are needed to assist with helping the Penrith Lions, before, during and after this event. It you can spare a few hours, half a day, or an evening, please let the Penrith Lions know.

6.30 pm Thursday 13th April in Penrith, the Penrith Lions are inviting those interested in helping out for this event as things get finalised for the big day. Can you help?

The venue will be confirmed nearer the time, but for more details please contact John Rogerson via email at rogersonjohn@talktalk. net or via mobile 07748 442280. Thank you.