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The Long Eaton Community Carnival 2005
Thousands of people lined the streets to watch the Long Eaton Community Carnival 2005 make its way through the town centre on its journey to the West Park Showground on Saturday 21st May 2005.

The parade began at around 12pm from Fields Farm Road, with the marching bands linking up a little later, from Wyvern Avenue. Eager crowds of people including families enjoyed the colourful procession. It made its way down Tamworth Road passing the Market Place and through the town centre to Derby Road, up to the Wilsthorpe Island and then the final stage of the journey down Wilsthorpe Road to West Park to join the events field.

Led by the Community Carnival Town Crier, Ken Godfrey, the Long Eaton Sea Cadets marched to a roll of drums while pulling a canon to welcome the Carnival Princess, Hannah Shelton. The Derby Midshipman Band gave a drum fanfare and were followed by an array of fantastic floats including: The First Long Eaton Guides, Brownies and Rainbows. The Long Eaton Operatic Society took inspiration from a show by taking the opportunity to wish the Long Eaton's townsfolk a Merry Christmas dressed in Dickensian costumes to preview their forthcoming show 'Scrooge'. Then, Irish eyes were smiling as the Leprechauns from St Francis of Assisi jigged along to Irish folk songs with ladies dressed in green ball gowns dancing by the side of the float. The Tesco's float had a pirate theme and was occupied by the Little Mermaid. Victor the Lion came next with the Long Eaton Market Traders float, and the Ilkeston Co-op Travel's bear mascot also made an appearance. The Wyvern Amateur Video Enthusiasts (WAVE) were armed with a video camera and they had a banner on the side of their float saying: "Smile you're being filmed". People were treated to music provided by the bands of the Melton Mowbray Toy Soldiers dressed in red, white and black with their Bearskin hats. The Long Eaton Militaires band also marched with their red, gold and blue shiny outfits and gleaming brass instruments. The Caribbean Dancers 'shook their bootys' to reggae and dancehall music adding extra glamour to the show. Also in the parade were vintage cars and motor cycles from the National Vintage and Engine Club. Classic scooters were ridden by the Nottingham Gatecrashers.

More than 6,000 people attended the field events, making it one of the most successful carnivals ever. The forthcoming Erewash Sound Radio Station had a stall and were pumping out tunes to entertain the masses. Inside the Big Top tents were handicraft stalls and the Long Eaton and District Horticultural Society displayed their best blooms. Anyone who could afford it could have a birds eye view of the events field by taking a trip with the East Midlands Helicopter Rides.

The events unfortunately ended an hour earlier than planned due to a downpour of rain, and the judo and acrobatics displays, which were planned, had to be cancelled for safety reasons as the stage on which they were to perform became wet and slippy. This year's Carnival Committee made a small charge for parking to fund a donation to the Army Cadets and Long Eaton Scouts who were acting as marshalls at the event. The 2005 Long Eaton Community Carnival cost in excess of £22,000 to stage, and the funding was met by the Arts Council, Derbyshire Community Fund, Awards For All and Erewash Borough Council. Mike Barnes, Chair of the Carnival Committee said: "I would like to thank everyone who was involved in the carnival, from stall holders to the bands, for their massive support. We are now looking forward to the 2006 event."

Band And Float Contest Results

Band Contest
1st - Derby Midshipman Band
2nd - Melton Mowbray Toy Soldiers
3rd - Confederation Of Derby

Floats
Children's Class - Long Eaton Guides, Brownies and Rainbows
Commercial Class - Asda
Private Class - Happivale

The competitions were judged by Chris Hayne, of Sawley Methodist Church and Maureen Webster.

Below is a selection of photographs from the Long Eaton 2005 Community Carnival Parade.

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