More than 200 youngsters took part in a colourful parade through Burnham-On-Sea today (Saturday) during the town’s Youth Weekend.
Youth groups from Burnham, Highbridge and Berrow took part in the procession from Maddocks Slade on the northern end of The Esplanade to College Street, along the High Street and into Pier Street.
Burnham and Highbridge Mayor Martin Cox and town crier Alistair Murray led the parade, followed by members of the Lucy Gunter Dance Centre, the BEES drama group, Burnham and Highbridge Karate Club, Burnham Swimming Club, Highbridge Brownies and Berrow Guides.
Families and residents cheered on those taking part in the parade, which was followed by dance demonstrations on the seafront by the Lucy Gunter Dance Centre. These will continue from 11.30am-3pm on Sunday.
Jonathan Smith, organiser of the Youth Weekend, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “The parade was a great success. The whole idea of the weekend is to help youth groups promote themselves and demonstrate to everyone what talented kids we have within our towns.”
Mayor Martin Cox added: “I really enjoyed the parade and would like to think this could become an annual event – possibly similar to the summer carnivals of years ago. There was a fantastic following along the route and it brought a real buzz to the town. All those taking part and the organisers did a great job on such a hot day.”
There were also a dozen craft stalls and games set up along the seafront. The event is supported by Burnham Lions, BARB, Sunspot Amusements and Burnham Town Team.
The Lucy Gunter Dance Centre dancers were near the front of the parade
Burnham’s Swimming Club took part in the parade in their swimming kits
A large crowd of onlookers followed the parade along the seafront
Berrow Guides were among the youth groups taking part in the procession
Burnham’s Mayor and town councillor Paul Young were at the front
The parade moved by the pier, then away from the seafront into College Street
Shoppers in the High Street enjoyed the spectacle in the town centre
Organiser Jonathan Smith with the Sunspot Amusements characters
BARB’s truck led the parade as the convoy moved through the town centre
Crowds of spectators watched the parade outside the Somerset and Dorset pub
The youth parade ended at the top of Pier Street on the seafront
