Hinckley Carnival Day 2007

THOUSANDS turned out in force to greet Hinckley's annual carnival parade and fete.

Taking advantage of the warm weather, the crowds lined the route to cheer the parade of decorated floats and teams of walkers in fancy dress as they made their way through the town to the fete on Clarendon Park.

The parade was led by Galliford's horse-drawn bus, which carried the Mayor and Mayoress, Cllr and Mrs Keith Lynch.

It was followed by the Festival Queen's float, carrying the Queen, Aga Bona, and her Maids of Honour, Sophie Hamlett, and Lauren Davies.

Music was supplied by the Church Lads and Church Girls Brigade Bands from St Mary's Hinckley, Barwell and Earl Shilton, the Silver Shadow Majorettes and the Shirley Pipe Band.

The winner of the best decorated float was Gwendoline House, which was also judged to be the overall parade winner, while 2nd was Richmond Primary School, Hinckley and 3rd was St Mary's Church, Hinckley.

The Caribbean Dancers from Braunstone won first prize in the Walking Groups section, while 2nd went to St Peters School, Hinckley and 3rd to 1st Hinckley Cub Scouts (Holy Trinity).

Meanwhile, events were already in full swing when the parade reached Clarendon Park, as activities began on the fete field at 1pm.

As well as the funfair there was a host of sideshows, craft, trade and charity stalls.

Meanwhile, arena events included a gospel choir, Indian dancers, John Parnell's Jugglers, the Piston Rings Motorcycle Team, Irish dancers, Kuk Sool Won martial arts, reggae artist Jah Marnyah and a caribbean-style carnival with African drums.

Elsewhere on the carnival field, the Hinckley and Bosworth Youth Council staged Truckload - a programme of performances by Borough-based bands, such as Fatal Error, HeadFirst, Pip & Sadie, Dirty Green Fingers and Lederhosen.

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