Corby's party weekend ready for lift off!

Tomorrow (Saturday) it’s Corby Carnival, and on Sunday it’s the town’s annual Highland Gathering in the Old Village which promises to be one of the biggest for years.

The carnival this year is Disney Themed. Floats are asked to assemble at Oldland Road on Oakley Vale at 11.30am and will move off at 1pm. They will travel down Sower Leys Road, then Gainsborough Road, Oakley Road, and will cross the roundabout into Elizabeth Street then on to Cottingham Road and into West Glebe Park.

There will be a show arena in the park with plenty of attractions including contortionists, a charity truck-pull, a dog show, pony rides and a fun fair.

On Sunday it’s the town’s annual Highland Gathering. The historic event takes place in Charter Field in the Old Village.

Roy Rickhuss, the General Secretary of the Community Union, has agreed to be the Chieftain for this year’s 48th gathering.

There will be a record 15 bands for the massed bands event including three coming all the way from Australia, as well as 100 highland dancers.

A record number of entries have also been received for the solo piping contests.

Leader of Corby Borough Council Tom Beattie: “It’s brilliant that the committee has managed to persuade Roy to come to the show.

“I have personally known Roy for many years and have seen him in action, working day in and day out fighting for jobs, wages and working conditions in Corby and all around the country for those he represents.

“Roy is a great friend of Corby and I know he will do the Community Union and Corby proud.

“I wish the Corby Highland Gathering committee all the best for the event, which is a pivotal day in Corby’s social calendar.

“I trust that the town’s people and the many that come from far and wide to participate and watch will have a great day.”

There are a series of road closures in place all day on Sunday. The roads that will be shut are Rockingham Road from Stephenson Way to Lloyds Road, Tunwell Lane, The Jamb and High Street.