Carnival celebrations returned to Melksham with a colourful and high-energy procession on Saturday 18th July.
The town centre streets came alive with music and fancy dress as 36 groups, clubs, individuals, residents, businesses and schools took part in this year’s procession.
One of the organisers, Michelle Brightwell, said the atmosphere was ‘electric.’
“Although people sign up in advance, you never really know what you are getting until the day,” said Michelle. “When we are in the car park at the start, everyone is so kind and helpful and helping each other put their floats together, there is nothing else like it.”
The largest entry this year was 4Stars Dance, which had 118 participants in their group and was the ‘biggest-ever’ entry to take part in the procession.
Also new this year was GandL Studios, which performed a pole-dancing routine at the back of a moving truck.
Michelle said, “Other highlights include Meads of Melksham Toy Story entry; Nortree Melksham supported our DJ by pulling him along in his car waggon. It was a great way to leave the car park. He was really good fun and they were great at coming in last minute and supplying the trailer and transport for that.”
The procession left the Church Street Car Park at 6pm, with thousands of residents lining the streets in support, who have helped raised £1,350 for next year’s event.
“We know that people will always turn up for the carnival. There is so much positivity around it,” said Michelle.
Winners in this year’s procession include Best Large Walking Group, Melksham Girl Guides with their Alice in Wonderland float; Float winner, White Horse Military Show; Best School, Broughton Gifford Preschool; Best Performance Group, 4Stars Dance; Best Individual, Guy with a homemade Batman costume; Best Small Walking Group was the Chilcott family; Royalty’s Choice, 4 Stars Dance; The Mayor and Town Crier’s choice was GandL Studios.
The carnival is organised by a small team of volunteers, including Michelle, Fiona Dey and Beth Dark, who this year has been involved in Melksham’s carnival for 20 years.
The committee are now planning next year’s event and are launching the annual Spot the Oddity competition with Melksham businesses. The competition involves spotting the ‘odd item’ in local business windows.
The Bonniest Baby Competition will also be held at the Food and River Festival in September.
Pictures by Joe McCann and Nia Goodwin-Fielding
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