Splash of colour at festival despite gloomy weather

The annual carnival procession and entertainment was well received, as a variety of themed floats and walking displays provided a splash of colour on a gloomy day.

Just two attractions had to be cancelled due to the weather, and festival chairman Margaret Alford said the day was a success.

She said: “It went very well, despite the rain. In fact, we were lucky, as we didn’t get the heavy rain like some did.

“You can’t order the weather, you have just got to make the best of it.”

The carnival began in Foster Lane, making its way to Church Lane.

The Recreation Ground then played host to the day’s entertainment, with high-wire act Bertie Bennett, and a Freddie Mercury tribute act the pick of the bunch.

Margaret said: “Just one act was not able to perform, due to the grass being too slippery, and the high wire act was not able to do his second routine.

“But the Freddie Mercury tribute act, who we also had last year, went down very well, and was absolutely brilliant.”

The best carnival float and walking group were awarded cash prizes, and this year displays centred around Peter Pan and Toy Story grabbed the attention of the festival judges.

Winning £100 for first place was the Peter Pan float, led by resident Judith Gichovi-Ehas, with Hillcrest Horses’ Toy Story walking group grabbing second place, and £70.

Ashington Scouts managed third place overall, for their RNLI theme, and bagged £50.

Carnival princess was Matilda Richardson, and her attendants were Katie Lightbody and Amber Teaney.

Her page boys were Douglas Murray, Lewis Nicholls and Alfie Lightbody.

All children attend Ashington School, and were picked at random.

Alongside the festival, a flower show was held in the community centre, and a funfair kept visitors entertained throughout the day.

Margaret said: “We would like to thank all the sponsors, performers and everyone for coming on the day.

“We look forward to seeing everyone back on Saturday, August 16, next year.”