THE CHAIRMAN of Pershore’s Carnival has paid tribute to the hundreds who lined the town’s streets on Bank Holiday Monday to ensure the Golden Jubilee celebration was one of the best ever.
Colin Shepherd spoke after the historic carnival marked 50 years of success with another crowd pleasing event from the start on King George’s Fields, the procession through the High Street to the rousing finale in Abbey Park.
Carnival-goers once again dug deep for chosen charity Pershore Sea Cadets and committee chiefs hope to be able to hand over a substantial cheque in the coming weeks.
Mayor of Pershore Coun Chris Parsons and Coun Tony Rowley, chairman of Wychavon District Council were then handed the difficult job of judging the winning floats from the numerous entries that took part in the parade.
Creative youngsters from Cherry Orchard First School were honoured in the motorized section while the ‘best float from a small group’ was handed to the Palmer family.
In the year the nation marks 100 years since some women were given the right to vote, Pershore WI’s eye-catching float was the deserved winner in the walking wheels section of the competition.]
The day got off to a swinging start with the 100-piece Worcester Rock Choir on the main stage before the parade featuring a host of local causes hit the road for the popular annual procession towards Abbey Park.
Sam Mardle of Holy Redeemer Primary School and Frankee Camden of Cherry Orchard First School were praised for carrying out their duties as carnival King and Queen with valued support from Princess Harriet Edmondson of St Barnabas CE First and Middle School
Abbey Park was home to array of stalls and entertainment, with the Paws for Thought dog display team drawing a massive crowd while PODS delighted the audience with their West End and Broadway medley.
After an afternoon of entertainment, the evening’s concert was fantastic and featured the talents of Jenny Ludlow, Griff Collins, Sandra Mason, People’s republic of Mercia, Where’s Martin, Mel & Him before a spectacular firework finale.
Mr Shepherd was presented with a trophy to celebrate him being chairman in the carnival’s 50th year and said all the feedback received so far had been positive.
“There are so many people that I would like to thank – all the Pershore retailers who provided either financial sponsorship, services or loan of equipment, those who provided the lorries for the floats, especially the drivers that gave up their Bank Holiday,” he told the Observer.
“All the schools and groups that entered a float, the support from Pershore town police and Pershore Fire Station, the Mayor of Pershore Coun Chris Parsons, Coun Tony Rowley, Chairman of Wychavon District Council.
“Those that provided the entertainment for free throughout the day and of course my wonderful committee. The list goes on and on, I do apologise if I have left anyone out.
“Without their generous support and goodwill, it simply wouldn’t happen.
“Whoever said that Carnival has had its day, obviously hasn’t been to Pershore Carnival recently! The weather was kind, the crowds came, it was a triumphant success,” he said.
