THE FORCE was well and truly with Leamington Carnival this year.
Last year orgainsers were forced to abandon plans for the event owing to a lack of support. It was a major blow following the hugely successful revival of the carnival in 2014 which saw thousands line the streets to welcome back the event after an 18 year absence.
But an estimated 9,000 people turned out on Saturday to welcome the event back which had a gaming and technology theme – and included Star Wars and Minecraft decorated floats.
Led by the Leamington Steel Drum band, the procession of around ten floats, including those of Leamington FC, Kids Run Free and Leamington Pride, rolled down the parade to the Pump Rooms Gardens to the fun fair and stalls.
Event manager Jamie Walker said: “People lined the streets to watch the carnival pass. The community did the town proud and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.
“It was a resounding success and our planning team are still overwhelmed by the support and look forward to organising the 2017 carnival which will take place on Saturday July 8.”
Jamie thanked the planning team and the support received from BID Leamington, Leamington Town Council, Barkers Fun Fair, CJ’s Events Warwickshire, Warwick Printing and Warwick Kia.
Leamington Carnival – which can trace its history back over a century – thrived for decades, but lack of interest saw the last procession roll through the town in 1996, with the event surviving only in fete form for a further two years, until the 2014 revival.
Email [email protected] or visit www.leamingtoncarnival.org.uk for further details of how to get involved with organising next year’s carnival.
