November 7, 2005
Huge crowd of up to 35,000 watches 2005 Burnham-On-Sea Carnival
A huge crowd of 35,000 spectators lined the usually quiet evening streets of Burnham-On-Sea on Monday November 7th 2005 to cheer along a cavalcade of floats and costumes during the town’s 58th annual carnival.
People from near and far came for the dazzling display of more than 90 entries, which wended its way through the town’s narrow streets.
Masqueraders walked their way along the roads ahead of the massive carnival club floats – and thousands of pounds was expected to have been raised for local groups and charities.
Despite the threat of winds and rain, the weather for the event stayed dry with just a brief passing light shower – much to the delight of the crowds.
Flying the flag for Highbridge and Burnham was Hillview Junior Carnival Club, with their eye-catching fireworks creation, called Celebrations.
The Masqueraders team from Meare, near Glastonbury, which had been tipped by some to win one of the top prizes, were stunned when their huge float, called Phantom, suffered a power failure and was left with no music or lighting.
And there was disappointment too for Key Kids Carnival Club from Glastonbury when their float, Rythmic Dance, suffered a similar fate and was plunged into darkness for the duration of the two hour show.
Leading the parade were emergency services from the town, including a fire engine, Burnham Coastguard’s truck and the Burnham rescue hovercraft, The Spirit Of Lelaina.
The event was a huge success – and Somerset Carnival Association secretary John Owens told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “We’re delighted to see it’s been another great evening.”
“It’s been a great night for the crowds thanks both to the quality of the entries on display and the weather staying dry,” he added.
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