WORCESTER’S first carnival in more than 20 years has been hailed a success after an estimated 10,000 residents took to the streets to experience its revival.
The much-loved carnival returned to the Faithful City on Saturday, July 1, where an array of colourful floats passed through the city centre as onlookers watched on in the sunshine.
Opening with a ceremony to crown the Carnival Queen and Princess, Katie Cooper and Jessica Pinches, by the Mayor of Worcester, coun Steve Mackay, a day of family fun activities ensued, including magicians performing on the High Street and a community stage and funfair offering entertainment on Cornmarket Square.
The grand parade took place at 2pm from Croft Road, which was nearly a mile from the first vehicle to the last and saw local community groups, businesses, and even Darth Vader take part.
After the procession, carnival president, Coun Alan Feeney, presented awards for the best floats which Worcester MP Robin Walker had judged.
Worcester Community Trust was chosen as the winner of best youth and community float, whilst Perdiswell Young People’s Leisure Club was awarded best overall float.
Coun Feeney said: “The carnival was better than we could ever have imagined. When we sat down at the beginning with nothing but a dream, we never thought it would grow so much, so fast.
“The people of Worcester have done us and themselves proud, so we cannot thank them enough. We’re already looking at ways we can refine and improve the carnival so that it’s even bigger and better next year.”
Plans are already in the pipeline for next year’s carnival which will take place on Saturday, July 7 and have the theme of film and TV.
Email [email protected] or visit www.worcester-carnival.co.uk to get involved or to find out more information.
