Floats spring into action
THOUSANDS of cheering people lined the streets to watch the Dunmow carnival procession make its way through the town on Saturday. Warm September sunshine helped add to the excited atmosphere as the people lining High Street waited for town crier Richard H
THOUSANDS of cheering people lined the streets to watch the Dunmow carnival procession make its way through the town on Saturday.
Warm September sunshine helped add to the excited atmosphere as the people lining High Street waited for town crier Richard Harris to appear, announcing the carnival open.
Dunmow firefighters and fire engines took their traditional lead place, this year helped with their collection by children donning fire tabards and helmets to collect the pennies handed over by eager hands.
Piping bands, Samba drummers and majorettes played and twirled their way along the route while colourful floats decorated on the theme of musicals carried waving groups, many singing along to musical hits, Grease proving to be especially popular.
There was little doubt of the act that raised the biggest cheers from the crowds: Essex Power Bockers bounced and sprang their way throughout, bringing on-lookers to whoops of admiration as they performed acrobatic stunts including summersaults on their spring-loaded stilts.
A mass of entertainment awaited the procession as it reached its final destination at the recreation ground.
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Fairground attractions proved popular and people were lined a dozen deep around the arena to watch acts such as The Red Barrows with their tongue-in-cheek formation barrow stunts and youths from Scene II Theatre School, dressed as zombies, perform an admirable dance to Michael Jackson's Thriller.
The day also heralded the official opening of the new skate park at the recreation ground. This was marked by a skateboarding competition with skaters of all ages taking advantage of the warm weather to show off their amazing skills in front of a crowd of fans.
As the sun made its way towards the horizon, so the entertainment moved towards the stage in the arena.
Musical acts with headliners ABBA Vision, gave a performance that had people on their feet, dancing and singing along with the Swedish super group's hits.
The day was brought to a suitably climatic end with a firework display that lit the night sky.
