Last updated at 16:23, Thursday, 16 July 2009

CARNIVAL fever swept across Ulverston on Saturday.

• Watch a video clip....

Title
Author
Copyright

Description

Unpredictable weather meant that revellers took shelter under a sea of umbrellas, but the sporadic rain showers did not dampen the spirits of carnival-goers gathered in the town centre.

The parade, packed with floats, flags, music and dancing, kicked off from Hart Street at 1pm.

It then followed a route through to Fountain Street, Soutergate, Stanley Street, Mill Street, King Street, Market Place and Queen Street, before turning into Cavendish Street, County Square, New Market Street, Market Street and Union Street.

This year’s theme for the carnival was comics and comedians, marking the Laurel and Hardy statue which was erected in County Square in April. Carnival Queen Sophie Baqai, from Swarthmoor, and her lady-in-waiting Charlotte Holmes, were belles of the ball, dressed in beautiful gowns.

Laurel and Hardy fan club members Sons of the Desert took part in the procession, visiting the statue and singing their chant to celebrate.

A sprinkle of ooh la la was added by Ulverston Traders’ Association Allo, Allo! float.

And Ford Park Community Group had a Wind in the Willows-themed display, as a play of the classic children’s tale will be performed at the park later this month.

Lively music was provided by Barrow St Andrew’s Pipe Band, Boom Dang and other bands.

Ulverston Mayor Councillor Norman Bishop-Rowe got a soaking, but the rain was not to blame. He was the victim of a hose pipe attack as part of Ulverston Fire Brigade’s display. Firefighters clowned around dressed in wigs with big red noses, squirting revellers with water. Cllr Bishop-Rowe said: “It was part of the fun. The carnival went very well and it was good to see lots of people enjoying it.”

An afternoon of fun in Ford Park followed the event. There were donkey rides, stalls and an entertainment stage for revellers to enjoy.

Organiser Peter Winston said: “There was a good atmosphere and the security staff helped keep any trouble to a minimum to ensure it was a safe family event.

“People were saying it was nice to back in the fields.The feel-good factor was very high,” Mr Winston lso added.

PRIZE-WINNERS from Ulverston Carnival have been announced. Organisers have picked bands, organisations and individuals to claim trophies from Saturday’s parade.

The Best in Parade trophy was awarded to Dalton-based drumming band Boom Dang, who also scooped Best Overall Entertainment. Leven Valley School, which took part in the parade with an Ulverston Dragon display, won Best School.

Ulverston Traders’ Association float, named Allo, Allo! and inspired by the popular BBC sitcom in-keeping with this year’s comics and comedians theme, was voted most humorous.

Musical entertainment came from a number of groups on the day, but Ulverston Town Band pipped others to the post to claim the Best Band title. Ulverston Fire Brigade, whose members dressed in clown outfits and squirted passers-by with mini hoses, was voted Best Sponsored Entry, while cheerleaders Barrow Jackals won Best Unsponsored Entry. Ulverston Carnival Queen Sophie Baqai, of Swarthmoor, was voted Best Individual.

A NUMBER of lost items were handed in at the carnival. They were found in or near Ford Park. If you lost something at the carnival, contact Peter Winston on 01229 580640.

First published at 11:37, Monday, 06 July 2009
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk