A big crowd of over 20,000 people lined the streets of Burnham-On-Sea last night (Monday, November 7th) to watch dozens of illuminated carnival carts roll through the town.
Over 80 carts and entertainers wowed the spectators with a cavalcade of colour and excitement.
This year’s Carnival Queen Jenny Yip, and her princesses, Burnham girls Catherine Tolley and Alyssa Jarvis, led the procession.
Some of the biggest cheers of the night were for Burnham’s Hillview Juvenile Carnival Club, whose float, One Way Ticket, won second place in its class and bagged a special chairman’s choice award. Highbridge-based Lucy Gunter Dance Group won the ‘anything goes’ class.
Phil New, Chairman the Carnival Association, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “We’re delighted with how the event went – it was a great evening despite a couple of hold-ups.”
The parade was held up for 20 minutes – as reported here – after one of the carts struck a sign outside the Somerset and Dorset pub in the High Street. Also, the start of the event was delayed by 10 minutes due to illegally parked cars.
The weather was cold, but dry for most of the evening – and huge crowds lined the carnival route along Love Lane, Manor Road, Victoria Street, The High Street and in Marine Drive.
Click here for full results of the 2011 Highbridge and Burnham Carnival
Carnival Queen Jenny Yip, and her princesses, Catherine Tolley and Alyssa Jarvis
The High Street was busy with spectators watching entries of all shapes!
Burnham Scouts were out on the streets helping with collecting donations
Mendip Vale Carnival Club’s western-themed entry in the High Street
Berrow’s Fei Lung Kwan martial arts group helped The Lions with collections
Masqueraders Carnival Club’s Flying Circus entry was a hit with the crowds
Highbridge’s Lucy Gunter dancers put on a great display for carnival spectators
Burnham’s Hillview Carnival Club delighted the crowds in their home town
Lime Kiln’s entry cautiously passing some scaffolding in the High Street
Carnival President Malcolm Borland at the start of Monday’s parade
One of the numerous masqueraders taking part in Monday’s procession
This colourfully dressed walker had a wintry themed outfit
BARB’s crew took their two hovercrafts, a boat and a tractor in the parade
The Burnham Coastguard team also took part in Monday’s big parade
Staff at Burnham’s Victoria Hotel donned Harry Potter costumes for the night
MORE COVERAGE OF THE 2011 CARNIVAL:
Results from the Carnival
Video from the Carnival
Police report no crime at Carnival
Collision holds up parade for 20 minutes
Illegal parking delays start of carnival