Ilkeston - Carnival Characters
w/e 09 June 2013
All this week's pictures were taken with a Kodak DX6490

After the cancellation of last year's carnival due to the waterlogged ground, Ilkeston Lions Club, organisers of the event, must have been full of trepidation as they prepared for this year's event. But they didn't need to worry as, although cloudy for most of the day, it did remain dry and the Ilkeston folk turned out in their thousands to support the charities, the main beneficiary this year being "The Laura Centre" an organisation dealing with child bereavement.

Floats in the Carnival Parade

The carnival as far as the public were concerned began with the traditional parade of floats and groups through the town to the Recreation Ground and although I took several photos as it passed along South Street, I decided this year to concentrate on some of the "Carnival Characters" that took part.

Long Eaton Militaires

The parade was led by the Long Eaton Militaires Marching Band who also gave a performance in the main arena but I caught these two young ladies as they waited for their time in the arena to come round.
Carnival Queen

Closely following the Militaires in the parade was an open top car carry the Carnival Queen. No carnival would be complete without a Queen and this year that honour fell to Rebecca May Edwards.
Jolly Scouters

In order not to show favouritism, this and the next images are in the same order as the floats appeared in the parade. This picture of the 2nd Ilkeston Scout Group shows some of the members who, aboard a mock-up ship named the Jolly Scouters, had taken a piratical theme as their inspiration for their float.
Teddy Bear's Picnickers

The Salvation Army Parent and Tots Group went on a Teddy Bear's Picnic and gave the whole event a thumbs up.
The Station Master

All of the lorries in the parade had been provided by West Transport free of charge and the Methodist Churches of Ilkeston had transformed theirs into a float celebrating the fact that the town is soon to have a new railway station. There were many characters on the float including the Station Master.
Edwardian Gentleman

The float also paid homage to the railways of the past and featured this Edwardian gentleman although the dark glasses were from a more recent era.
Trophy Winners

Another Scout Group, the 4th Ilkeston (Cotmanhay and Shipley) , won the best float in the parade prize with a Willy Wonka and the Oompa Loompas theme and two of their participants are seen here with the trophy.
Freddy & Friend

Not to be outdone by the scouting neighbours the final float in the parade was that of the 8th Ilkeston Cotmanhay Church Guide Group and Senior Section Unit who, with their own Freddy Mercury, promised that "We Will Rock You" but paused as they dismantled their decorated lorry for this photo.
I Love Hugs

As well as the floats there were several participants on foot including a bear who apparently loves hugs and was promoting Curves, a 30 minute fitness concept designed for women.
Erewash Sound

Another bear was part of the contingent promoting the local radio station Erewash Sound which plays favourites of today and yesterday and can be found on 96.8 FM. A lot of hard work goes into organising the carnival and as the Ilkeston Lions Club reflect on the success this year's event I'm sure that they are already planning ahead for Carnival 2014.

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