We plan to hold a Carnival in Lostock Hall with a new route around the village and will encourage the whole community to come out and celebrate the community, cultural and sports groups in and around the village. After the procession their will be a family field event where families can join in the celebrations and sample live music as well as performances from local groups. We will also hold an artisan market as well as supporting local charities and schools by providing fundraising opportunities. This event will help local businesses and support individuals with a sense of belonging to a community after the pandemic.

What we'll deliver:

• Procession around the local streets with roads closed
• Stage area/ dance floor for performance's for live music
• 2 Marquee's for the Artisan market stalls and charity stands that will be used for future events
• PA system for use by artists
• Generator to provide electrical supply for the stage and PA area.

Why it's a great idea:

The Carnival has not been held for over 2 years and since the pandemic the local community have had little to celebrate and the sense of community has slowly disappeared. Within social media platforms the community have expressed Lostock Hall is a forgotten village within the local area. The event will bring a variety of community groups together in celebration. It will allow individuals young and old to feel part of the community, and allow all residents to feel "Lostock Hall is back on the map". Local business will also benefit from the raised footfall to the central area and give them the opportunity to support the community who supported them during the pandemic. Elderly from the community will feel that although the procession is new and improved they will remember how the community came together in the past. Community groups including schools will be involved in the day and will hopefully help to raise the pride the feel in the local area.

Steps to get it done:

• Hold an unofficial Christmas tree light switch on to raise the profile of the carnival
• Apply for permissions to close the roads and permissions for the use of land
• Ensure traffic management are in place for the event with plenty of notice
• Write to local groups inviting them to participate in the event and offer support for costumes etc
• Ensure the correct insurances are in place to cover the events on the field and the procession

Support the sense of belonging to a variety of groups. A sense of belonging is important when supporting Mental Health.