Brightening up the Bay
CARNIVAL RETURNS TO THE SEASIDE TOWN
A GIANT swan, pink octopus and colourful sea creatures were among the stars of the show as a flamboyant parade marked the return of the Whitley Bay Carnival.
Hundreds of families turned out for the annual event, which enjoyed the best of Saturday’s weather as it brought the streets of the seaside town to life.
Starting off at Whitley Bay Metro station at 11am, the procession – which included local schoolchildren showing off their work – made its way along Station Road and Park View, down to the Spanish City Plaza where more crowds waited to greet the spectacle.
The traditional carnival, which had been revived in 2014, was the result of months of planning by organisers, community groups and volunteers.
And the sun came out for the parade – a carnival first – as costumed performers and an array of creatures, including monkeys to tie in with its ‘wild’ theme, made its way through the town centre. Among the children taking part were pupils from the local Rockcliffe First School and Langley First School, who were applauded as they passed the crowds. Live music ranged from brass bands to Backyard Rhythm Orchestra while choirs, dancing, circus acts and stilt walkers all added to the attractions of the event which had a real community atmosphere. And it was being welcomed as a boost to the town where improvement work has been ongoing for some time. Families brought along children and dogs while visitors of all ages enjoyed the day which saw a Sea King and Sea Queen bring the procession to a close around midday before the weather took a turn for the worse across the region.
But there was still plenty going on around the Spanish City Plaza with fairground rides, stalls, an arts and crafts marquee and food outlets as well as a performance stage. Local favourites The Caffreys and a Carnival Ball were set to top the entertainment bill later in the day.
Among those watching the procession near the Spanish City Dome was Maria Hunt, from Wallsend, who had invited along Stella Martin, “the best auntie in the world”, who turns 80 on Monday.
Maria, 57, said: “I read about the carnival and then rang my auntie as we’d not been before. We started at the beginning then followed it down here to see the stalls.”
Stella, from Cullercoats, added: “I think it’s colourful and it’s something Whitley Bay needs as a pickme-up.”
Also enjoying themselves were Lynette Faulke and her eight-yearold son Jamie, who had come from Monkseaton.
“We’re having a lovely time,” said Lynette. “We’ve been looking at the stalls and are now looking for hamburgers and fish and chips.
“We missed the procession, which is a shame, but Jamie’s school was taking part, making bumblebees, and I saw the pictures which looked fabulous.”
It’s colourful and it’s something Whitley Bay needs as a pick-me-up Stella Martin