Long Eaton - Community
Carnival 2009
w/e 21 June 2009
All this week's pictures were taken
with a Kodak DX6490
Another week, another town, another carnival. There's
a certain similarity about carnivals and buses - you wait for
ages for one, then three come along at once. Well it's not quite
that bad but if you like to see a parade then this is the time
of year to enjoy your passion and that's just what we did as
we travelled a few miles south from Ilkeston to see Long Eaton's
Community Carnival.
As the crowds gathered in the centre of Long Eaton, the police
halted the traffic and there was an air of anticipation and excitement
all around as the first sounds of the approaching parade were
heard.
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Costumes of all shapes and sizes were to be seen in the procession.
A beekeeper with a mobile beehive and accompanied by a technologically
aware bee sending text messages encouraged us to "Bee Happy"
whilst a local music group advertised their latest production
of "Pickwick" from the back of one lorry whilst the
young occupants of another assured us that "Sawley's Got
Talent".
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There were many more floats too as well as a number of classic
cars, buses and also a selection of old tractors all beautifully
maintained, this one pictured hauling a trailer loaded with children.
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It wasn't just old vehicles either as these three futuristic
looking cars looked as though they were about to flap the doors
like wings and take to the skies.
The parade had been led like last week's at Ilkeston, by the
Long Eaton Militaires this time on home ground. Ilkeston's parade
had also included the kilted Breaston Highlanders whilst Long
Eaton's carnival had the Spanish looking Derby Serenaders International
Showband playing their Latin American rhythms.
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Long Eaton's carnival is truly a community affair with many groups
and organisations involved. Football clubs, youth clubs and dance
troupes were among many that took part and even those members
of the general public that were not involved obviously found
it to their enjoyment.
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The ultimate destination of the parade was West Park where there
was plenty on offer to keep the crowd delighted. In a small arena
the Long
Eaton Judo Club showed off their skills whilst simultaneously
in the main arena, the boys of the Dako Flying Angels gymnastic
display team thrilled the onlookers and at least one long-legged
person was assured of a good view!
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For those not watching the events in the arenas, plenty of other
activities were available to keep everyone amused. Members of
the Riverside
Football Club (both boys and girls) who had earlier been
part of the parade, were able to put aside their soccer skills
and get rid of any pugilistic tendencies in complete safety on
an inflatable platform.
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Among all the charity stalls, exhibitions and sideshows, another
area was fenced off where many youngsters could learn and practice
circus skills like spinning plates on sticks, stilt walking and
Diablo throwing all under the watchful eye of a friendly clown
and inquisitive ostrich!
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