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Sittingbourne Carnival makes comeback after first parade since 2019

19:00, 25 August 2024

updated: 20:04, 25 August 2024

Hundreds of people lined a town's streets to celebrate the return of carnival for the first time since 2019.

More than 40 entries were cheered as they paraded through Milton Regis and Sittingbourne High Street this afternoon.

Crowds lining the streets outside the Red Lion in Sittingbourne High Street. Picture: Joe Crossley
Crowds lining the streets outside the Red Lion in Sittingbourne High Street. Picture: Joe Crossley
The Mafia Super Club's Lightning McQueen-inspired Mustang which won The Best Vehicle award. Picture: Joe Crossley
The Mafia Super Club's Lightning McQueen-inspired Mustang which won The Best Vehicle award. Picture: Joe Crossley
Plenty of people - and mascots for fastfood restaurants - joined the parade on foot. Picture: Joe Crossley
Plenty of people - and mascots for fastfood restaurants - joined the parade on foot. Picture: Joe Crossley

The carnival left Milton Rec at 1pm and was led by a horse-drawn wagon from Just Dandy Horse and Carriage Kent.

On board was the Mayor of Swale, Cllr Ben Martin, and Miss Sittingbourne.

Colourful lorries ferried bands, an entry from the Red Lion pub dancing to Abba, 1st Sittingbourne Scouts and a Song Signing choir.

Carnival courts from across the county took part, including the revamped Sittingbourne Carnival Court float.

Gymnastics and dance groups also performed and the Old School Samba band from East Farleigh got the crowd going with their drumming.

We salute you! Tim Bell from Minster in his homemade tank. Picture: Joe Crossley
We salute you! Tim Bell from Minster in his homemade tank. Picture: Joe Crossley
The parade featured a lot of music. Picture: Joe Crossley
The parade featured a lot of music. Picture: Joe Crossley
One of the many floats to take to the streets as Sittingbourne Carnival returned for the first time since 2019. Picture: Joe Crossley
One of the many floats to take to the streets as Sittingbourne Carnival returned for the first time since 2019. Picture: Joe Crossley

Meanwhile, the muscle cars of the Mafia Super Club were a particular favourite, especially a Lightning McQueen-inspired Mustang which won The Best Vehicle award.

Tim Bell also took the trip across The Swale from his workshop in Minster to take part in his homemade tank.

The town has been without its popular parade since 2019 but has been rejuvenated thanks to a committee led by Kelly Kay.

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