Leamington Carnival will '˜go ahead' in 2017

Leamington Carnival was such a success that its organisers have already said it will be taking place again next year.
This year's Leamington Carnival parade NNL-161107-165753001This year's Leamington Carnival parade NNL-161107-165753001
This year's Leamington Carnival parade NNL-161107-165753001

Between 8,000 and 10,000 came to the event, which took place in the town centre on Saturday, with the crowd standing five or six people deep as it lined the Parade to watch the precession.

Stall holders, at the festival which took place at the Pump Room Gardens as part of the event reported, selling out of products and made enquiries about booking a spot for next year.

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Businesswoman Jo Cameron, who was part of the carnival committee, said: “We’re going to do it again next year, of course we will.

This year's Leamington Carnival parade NNL-161107-170351001This year's Leamington Carnival parade NNL-161107-170351001
This year's Leamington Carnival parade NNL-161107-170351001

“We were really amazed by the support everybody showed for the event.

“I spoke to peole in the crowd and they all said they were having a lovely time and were asking if we were going to put it on again next year.

Leamington was really alive and kicking - it was wonderful.”

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The carnival had a computer gaming and technology theme to celebrate Leamington’s ‘Silicon Spa’ heritage.

This year's Leamington Carnival parade NNL-161107-170057001This year's Leamington Carnival parade NNL-161107-170057001
This year's Leamington Carnival parade NNL-161107-170057001

The precession included 18 floats representing various businesses, groups and organisations from around the town.

Leamington Mayor Cllr Ann Morrison judged the competition for the best float and, after much deliberation, selected Tree Tops Montessori Nursery as the overall winner.

The nursery’s message to the organisers said: “Well done to you and the rest of the carnival team for organising such an awesome event.

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“Our staff, parents and most importantly our children had a wonderful time today.

This year's Leamington Carnival parade NNL-161107-170351001This year's Leamington Carnival parade NNL-161107-170351001
This year's Leamington Carnival parade NNL-161107-170351001

“We hope that everything went well for you guys and fingers crossed that you do the same next year- count us in.

“Thanks again and congratulations.”

IRESS took second place with its Minecraft-themed float and the Sainsbury’s team came third with their Star Wars theme.

Musicians and dance groups including Ignite Youth Dance Co, Frozen Toad, Michael Bennett, Fit To Dance and more were among those who provided the entertainment for the event.

This year's Leamington Carnival parade NNL-161107-170057001This year's Leamington Carnival parade NNL-161107-170057001
This year's Leamington Carnival parade NNL-161107-170057001
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The relaunched and revamped carnival returned to Leamington for the second time in the space of three years.

Before that the event had not been held with a precession since 1996 and its former committee was wound up in 1998.

This year’s event was sponsored by Britannia Squab, which was supporting the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance’s float.

Collections were also held for various good causes.

People took to social media to praise the event.

Warwick and Leamington MP Chris White tweeted: “Great atmosphere @LeamCarnival with so many out watching the parade! Well done to all the organisers.”

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Jo has thanked the team of organisers who made the event possible.

They include event manager Jamie Walker, who is a director of CJs Events, assitant event manager Steph Manning who is the commercial team leader at Sainsbury’s in Wellesbourne, procession manager Owen Prosser-Stock, festvial executive and Sarah Hargreaves who is the manager of The Cloisters Physiotherapy Clinic, festival executive Pam Henderson who is a retail manager by profession .

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