By Jo Gittins
Families in Farnley are invited to celebrate investment and community spirit on Sunday 29 March 2026!
Farnley East is gearing up for community‑spirited celebration from 12pm to 5pm as an Easter Parade officially launches the new Pride in Place programme — a transformational £20 million investment aimed at shaping positive and lasting change based on the priorities of the community in Farnley East.
Leading the festivities will be the Easter Bunny, who will travel through the area on his colourful trailer, bringing fun, cheer, and plenty of chocolate treats.
The event is being organised by Jo Gittins, Peter Allison, Neil Shackleton, Kathryn Hunter and Ros Amado, part of the local reference group who established to create the Neighbourhood Board – an independent board created to oversee the funding.
Residents of all ages are invited to join in the celebrations, which will include:
- The Easter Bunny and friends touring on a special parade trailer
- Free games and activities for children at the start, finish and 5 stops along the way!
- A free chocolate egg for everyone who takes part
- Information about the Pride in Place programme
- Opportunities for residents to share their views on how the investment is used
Organisers say the event is all about bringing the community together right from the outset, while promoting Pride in Place and ensuring local voices are heard as plans for the £20 million investment take shape.
“This is a huge moment for Farnley East,” Jo Gittins said. “The Pride in Place programme is about celebrating our community and shaping a brighter future. What better way to start than with a day filled with fun, families, and local pride?”
Parade route and times
The Easter Bunny will begin his journey at 12pm at Farnley Community Centre, making his way through key neighbourhoods before finishing at 5pm on the Tong Estate.
- 12pm – Farnley Community Centre.
- 12.45pm – Butterbowl area
- 1.30pm – Stonebridge Grove
- 2.10pm – Silverroyd Hill
- 2.50pm – Kilburn Road
- 3.35pm – Heights Shops
- 4.25pm – Tong Way
Local people, families and businesses are encouraged to join in at any point along the route to enjoy games, meet the crew, and collect their free chocolate egg.
Whilst some areas of the parade route don’t currently fall within the current Pride in Place boundary, there is an intention to expand the area to include these estates.
The Pride in Place programme aims to strengthen community identity, improve local facilities, and ensure residents feel connected, supported, and proud of their neighbourhood. Sunday’s parade represents the first step in a wider effort to involve residents in shaping the future of Farnley East.
Organisers hope the event will set the tone for the coming months: inclusive, joyful, and community‑driven.
“This parade isn’t just about Easter,” organisers added. “It’s about showing how brilliant, welcoming, and proud Farnley East truly is — and how much stronger we’ll be when we work together to spend this money.”
With good weather forecast and excitement building, Sunday’s Easter Parade promises to be a fantastic day for families, neighbours, and residents of all ages.
So grab your coats, round up the kids, and come join Peter Rabbit and friends for a celebration of everything that makes Farnley East special.
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