Last updated at 10:11, Sunday, 19 July 2009

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CROWDS gathered this afternoon for Broughton’s annual carnival.

Hundreds of people turned out to watch as entries ranging from a trio of cows and a living toy box to Flamenco dancers and the Jackson Five took to the streets for the parade.

People gathered in the field opposite South Terrace, Great Broughton, from early afternoon and the parade set off shortly after 2pm, led by Dearham Band.

It made its way to the Welfare Field, Little Broughton, for the crowning of the carnival royals and the event then continued on the field with Fletcher’s Funfair from Maryport.

Rose Queen Emily Clarke was almost left without transport after illness meant her mother Cathy, who has created a float annually for 15 years, was unable to help.

To her delight, Dobies Peugeot stepped in to provide a demonstrator car to transport Emily and attendants Olivia Winter and Jade Hughes.

Bringing a taste of Spain to proceedings was Great Broughton resident Bertie Rayson, 62, who has taken part in the event for since he was three or four and this year performed as a bullfighter with a group of Flamenco dancers.

He said: “We try to encourage people to join in. I enter every year with a different theme.”

Carnival Queen Chloe Waterson was given some moral support by dad Ewan, of Workington, and his Copeland Canoe Club friends Kevin Goode and Amanda Lewin, both of Seaton.

Ewan said: “These lads thought it would be a good idea to hack up some perfectly good kayaks. I have been away on holiday during the last three carnivals but I usually join my daughter when I can.”

The carnival royals were: Carnival Queen Chloe Waterson, Retiring Queen Stephanie Davis, Herald Stephen Davis, Rose Queen Emily Clarke, Snow Queen Charlotte Ferguson, Ivy Queen Lauryn Clucas, Gypsy Queen Megan Teasdale, Princess Eloise Zwaagman, Miss Broughton Lauren Mills, Britannia Hannah Langcake and Floral Queen Morgan Scales.

Winner of the prize for best en route entertainment was Brow’ton’s Farewell to the Pop Legends.

The event has been held since shortly after the end of World War Two and secretary Anne Davis said organisers were pleased that the weather held out for this year’s event.

She said: “It was lovely. There were some good entries. A lot of the village turned out.”

She thanked those who supported the event and said preparations were already underway for next year’s carnival.

“Some girls have come forwards to be queens next year so it’s looking good,” she said.

First published at 16:52, Saturday, 18 July 2009
Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk