Herne Bay Carnival

Herne Bay was awash with colour on Saturday as crowds turned out in force for this year’s carnival. The morning’s wet weather cleared in plenty of time for young and old to line the route and enjoy the annual parade from Lane End, along Western Esplanade through Central Parade, the town centre and back to Sea Street.

Around 60 floats, including 11 visiting carnival courts, brought noise and colour to the sea front, lead by music from the Herne Bay Sea Cadets band.

Among them were best in carnival, The Red Wheelies from Canterbury’s MS Therapy Centre. The ladies, famed for their formation dances on mobility scooters, dressed up as knights of the realm in full battle armour. Other entrants included members of the town’s football club and roller hockey clubs, as well as Greenhill Gymnastics Club and the Hasland Dance Academy.

The team from domestic carers Bluebird Care won the Carol Bosworth prize for creativity. In the evening, the Kings Hall hosted the traditional post parade party, with music from band Kelly’s Hero’s.

HB Times 15th Aug 2011

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Click to see the Carnival photo gallery

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Bus rally threatened by Council

Our Council demanded £850 compensation for 'lost revenue' - and the red tape almost drove this Sunday’s Herne Bay bus rally off the road.

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Organisers admitted this week they were considering cancelling the annual event when Canterbury City Council demanded payment for unused parking spaces. Julian Bowden, who took over running the rally last year with Nigel Coupe, said:

"The city council's events team and town co-ordinator Chris West have been brilliant, and know how many visitors the rally brings to Herne Bay. But then the council’s parking services department stepped in and dropped a bombshell by demanding £850 compensation for lost revenue from the spaces the buses use in William Street car park. It was virtually the same amount We raised for our chosen charity, Demelza children’s hospices, last year. We felt it was a little excessive."

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Be part of the Herne Bay Carnival

It's time to start thinking about this year's carnival. Organisers want to hear from businesses, groups, clubs, associations or just people who like to dress up and join in the fun.

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