Report from Carnival Day

Apart from a couple of brief showers the Carnival Day escaped the weather this year to allow everyone to have an enjoyable day. 

The Parade was fantastic and it picked up many people along the route who grooved to the drum beats and dancers of Ambergate School, who were directed by Carnival Artist Chris Lewis-Jones and Dancer Noel Moore.  The paraders looked resplendent in their digger yellow and sky blue costumes and they all carried standards and biers through the village. Some of the instruments and all of the materials for costumes, standards, sculptures and face paints, plus the artists themselves were funded by Awards for All. Also in the parade there were 2 JC Balls shiny new diggers and a Hummer carrying Maurice Gent who opened the carnival. The Carnival queen and her attendants travelled in an elegant vintage car, there was a fantastic display of mini vehicles by the Playgroup. Ambergate Players joined in and The Daleks from Maids of the Mill, 2 stilt walkers and Cresswell Band marched too. The entertainment and a lot of the infrastructure was funded by Amber Valley Housing Association. Everyone was glad of the option of a ‘Friends of Ambergate’ cream tea in the pavilion on arrival. 

After the opening and judging for the competitions Cresswell Band entertained in the Marquee and then Ambergate School children beautifully performed the Maypole dance.  The Maids of the Mill were followed by a fantastic display by the JC Balls Digger Dance. The crowds were mesmerised as they performed their impressively coordinated moves in the (slightly) muddy field! There was a good choice of stalls and side shows this year, including The Joker and their circus skills arena. 

Next it was the Tuxedo New Orleans Jazz Band whilst the Ambergate School dancers were finishing off a display in the marquee. The Heage Windmillers put on a really lovely display of many different dances, followed by the Progressive Self Defence and Tae Kwon-do Academy demonstration. It was then back to the J C Balls arena for a thrilling encore. The Grand Raffle was drawn, with 2 balloon rides and more than 30 other prizes given to lucky recipients this year. A disco in the evening finished off the events. First reports are that everyone had a fantastic day and is looking forward to taking part next year. If you want to see photo's of the event go to www.flickr.com/groups/ambergatecarnival/pool/. Also if you have any feedback of the day and would like to tell us what you loved, or things you would like to see next year, just drop us a note on the 'contact us' page. Alternatively come to the 'de-brief' meeting on the 22nd September to get involved next year.