| Home > Welcome > The Long Eaton Carnival And Other Local Festivals (Part 3) Click here to go back to The Long Eaton Carnival And Other Local Festivals (Part 1) The Long Eaton Community Carnival 2004 It was suggested that the group try to revive the carnival. The Long Eaton Carnival had in the past produced a great sense of community spirit, and the general feeling was that most people would like to see it brought back. During the following year, many meetings took place, many people came and went, and the idea was very nearly abandoned. But eventually a committee was formed, not just for people in the church, but other members of the community as well. The Chairman of the Long Eaton Community Carnival Association was Mike Barnes, while the Publicity Officer was Jean Lupton. There are far too many other members of the committee to mention here. The theme for the Long Eaton Community Carnival 2004 was 'Remember When...'. This was chosen because when the public were asked if they would welcome the return of the carnival, they always replied: 'I remember when...', as they remembered stories from past carnivals. Here is a brief outline of the events and those who took part in the street parade which started on Draycott Road in Sawley at 12:00, with other floats too large to fit under the railway bridge on Tamworth Road joining the parade at Fields Farm Road. The Long Eaton Militaires marching band linked up at Wyvern Avenue, and they all made their way through the centre of town, through The Green and along Derby Road, turning into Wilsthorpe Road and entering West Park at the entrance to the fairground at around 2:00pm. The Long Eaton townsfolk turned out in force and lined the route all the way from start to finish. At the head of the parade, the Mayor of Erewash, Coun Doug Hodges and his wife rode in the Mayoral car which was a white Mercedes, followed by Mr Ken Godfrey, a well known personality who for many years was associated with the carnival and amateur dramatics in the town. He presided as the Town Crier for the day. Behind them, the Long Eaton Sea Cadet Corps pulled a gun carriage. The Long Eaton Militaires Marching Band dressed in their red, white and blue uniforms played lively tunes as they marched. The Volkswagen Club members in their classic customised cars came next, followed closely by the Long Eaton Market Traders with their lion mascot. Next was the Long Eaton & District Scouts on their float. The Oasis Christian Centre float displayed flags of the world followed by tambourine players. A vintage fire engine added to the fun, ringing its bell as it went along, followed by a vintage tractor and trailer. Asda's float carried staff dressed as pirates of the Caribbean, while the staff of Southlands Residential Home dressed as 1920's Flappers. The Long Eaton Brownies and Girl Guides entertained spectators with a Rock & Roll extravaganza on their float. The Trinity Methodist Church members were dressed up as butterflies followed behind with a display titled 'Metamorphosis'. The St Francis Parish Community followed them. The 'Gatecrashers Scooter Club' of Nottingham rode along on their 1960's style Vespa motor scooters. A jazz band also entertained spectators while travelling along on the back of a lorry. Hannah Hill and her pony Totty joined in the fun. The parade was completed by the Long Eaton St John Ambulance marching in full uniform followed by one of their ambulances. Many other local businesses and organisations, too many to mention, also joined the parade. Below is a selection of photographs of both the street parade and events which took place on the showground at West Park. Thankfully it was a lovely warm sunny day for everyone to enjoy. Click here to go back to The Long Eaton Carnival And Other Local Festivals (Part 1) |
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