Smiling faces all round as Carnival delivers another spectacular event

Burwell Carnival 2016 lit up the summer with a festival of colour, joy and happiness that will live long in the memory. Despite some last minute weather issues, the carnival field festivities and the parade before it proved once again that when many people all pull together in one direction that anything is possible.

But where do we start? The theme for 2016 of ‘Children’s TV Through The Ages’ obviously caught the imagination of float organisers as the parade really was a spectacular sight to behold. All of the participants worked wonders to produce such a fantastic display and with the usual additions of the Army Cadets, Newmarket Hotshots, Heart Radio, Burwell Fire Crew, The Day Centre bus and many other groups, there really was a marvellous mix for the cheering crowds to appreciate.

As the parade reached its’ final destination, a seemingly quiet carnival field exploded into life as thousands of Burwellians led by the 4th Mid Suffolk Boys Brigade arrived en-masse to soak up all that was on offer. First of all though the important float prize presentations needed to be awarded.

Regaining their crown in the adult section were Burwell Print Centre as Scooby Doo.

In the main category, Spring Close Montessori (The Smurfs) claimed top spot with Burwell Early Learners in second position (Mickey Mouse Clubhouse) & 2nd Burwell Brownies (Jackanory) in third. As always, our Carnival King, Queen and attendants handed out the prizes to all of our winners.

Post presentation and it was time to get the main stage going as Newmarket Hotshots thrilled the crowd with their baton twirling and flag waving routines, before BVC Choir took over the mantle. Newmarket Gymnastics, Performance Without Limits, Max Jamieson and Burwell Karate each showed us the hard work and dedication that goes into each of their chosen fields whilst not forgetting Samara Ballet who performed amazingly at the Festival Tent.

They all showcased their individual talents fantastically well.

Out On A Wing falconry gave us birds of prey who swooped, glided and enthralled the public at large before KD Academy and then Burwell Community Choir closed the afternoon with their usual style and grace.

Of course, there was plenty happening elsewhere on the field. The Festival Tent engaged audiences with a mix of music and storytelling, whilst the largest ever gathering of carnival craft & community stallholders engaged with the public throughout what was becoming a warmer, drier afternoon.

The funfair & mini diggers were in full swing too, with children, teenagers and adults of all ages (sometimes screaming, sometimes laughing, but always happy) relishing the chance to be at such an occasion.

Who can forget the endless queue for a doughnut? I finally got one at 9pm! Or the lovely ladies from the WI who almost ran out of cakes because they were so busy!

Then finally, it happened. The clouds parted to deliver the most tremendous blue sky and early evening sunshine. Many stayed with us for the whole day, some of you left only to return later and we are glad you did! The party atmosphere evolved further as Jude Keenhad the audience tapping along to her jazz and swing set before the newly crowned kings of soul & disco ‘Now Wash Your Hands’ turned up the heat with a scintillating set that went down a storm.

And so it was on to our final instalment as The Indietones blasted their way through a 2 hour extravaganza that had the crowd shouting for more, but alas 11pm arrived and we had to bring the curtain down on another historic Carnival day.

As we have stated many times before, Carnival would not happen without all of those people who donate prizes, provide advice, sponsor the raffle or bar, enter floats, help clear up, act as a road marshal and do the things that we as a committee can’t do on our own. We are thankful to you all.

Burwell Carnival Committee