Horley Carnival 2018
Although not quite as hot as the previous year, the sun appeared and the rain held off for the Horley Carnival. Thousands of people came to watch the local community come together to provide a wonderful day out of celebrations in Horley. This year’s event took place on Saturday 16 June with the theme of 'Heroes and Villains'.
The Carnival procession showcased an amazing variety of groups and organisations who seemed to be inspired by the 'Heroes and Villains' theme. The procession was a riot of colour and activity with dancers, costumed children and adults waving from their decked out floats whilst others walked along to the beat of the marching bands.
The procession itself consisted of nearly 30 floats and exhibits which were led off by the Redhill Corp of Drums and Band and further escorted by the Gatwick Caledonian Pipes & Drums, The Surrey & Sussex Drum & Bugle Corps. On route, the Procession was joined by the Bloco Du Sol, which had been playing in town centre outside Costa Coffee, getting spectators in a party mood with their samba type music. Further along the route, the Procession also picked up the Gatwick Caledonian Pipe Band which had been entertaining the crowds in the Town Centre Precinct.
The Procession was organised by members of Horley Lions Club and was well marshalled, thanks to the support of volunteers from 41 Club, Horley Football Club and the Horley Lions Club. Everyone joined into party spirit, the Procession being patrolled by Traffic Management Vehicles courtesy of The Gatwick Group and Britaniacrest. The judging of the floats was carried out by Cllr Dorothy Ross-Tomlin, Mayor of Reigate & Banstead Borough Council and Cllr David Powell, Horley Town Mayor.
The Carnival Parade Winners were:
Adult Section (Procession):
1st: County Care Independent Living
2nd: Woody 54 Cafe
3rd: Barnfield Care Home
Junior Section (Procession)
1st: Copthorne Prep. School
2nd: Salfords Primary School
3rd : 5th Horley Guides
Most Humorous Parade Entry:
The Bull Public House
Best Dresssed Parade Entry:
Horley & District Constitutional Club (HDCC)
The Arena Events included the 'Paws for Thoughts Dog Display' team, the dazzling Black Eagles Gymnastic Display group and many more. Music and toe tapping drumming was brought to the centre of the Recreation Ground by The Surrey & Sussex Drum and Bugle Corps, Bloco do Sul, The Rock Choir, Oakwood Steel Pans and JoJingles.
As in previous years the grounds were packed with residents and stall holders.This year saw children entranced by the animated magical moments interactive animatronic characters who were strolling around and also saw the return of the ever popular Tom's Talking Reptiles for those brave enough to touch a variety of snakes and lizards. A vast array of stalls gave residents the chance to try news foods and find out about local groups and organisations.
Cllr Mike George said “I would like to acknowledge the hard work put in by the organising team which comprised Horley Lions, 41 Club, Susy Radio, Horley Town Council, Chamber of Commerce and Alex Goddard. I would also like to thank our many sponsors who include Gatwick Airport Ltd (headline sponsor), Reigate & Banstead Borough Councillors and the numerous local companies and individuals who also kindly sponsored the event (as listed in the 'Thank You' Page of the Carnival Programme. Horley is quite unique as people come out to support the community events with such enthusiasm and we would like to thank them for partaking so fully”
The organisation for next year's carnival is now underway so if you are interested in helping please contact the team on horleycarnival@gmail.com
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