The Abbots Langley community feasted on the glorious hot weather on Saturday, June 14, for the village’s annual carnival and procession.
Following a night of thunder and rain, organisers Watford Lions anxiously awaited the day’s weather forecast. Yet, in keeping with Abbots Langley’s carnival tradition, the skies cleared, temperatures rose, and residents were free to browse, eat, drink, and fully enjoy the day’s festivities.
This year’s parade theme was ‘Nursery Rhymes’, and participants did not disappoint with their outfits. The likes of humpty dumpty and little red riding hood featured, as did a troop of all the King’s horses and all the King’s men!
Speaking to Abbots News, Ash Panchal, president of Watford Lions, said: “It has been a roaring success. We are absolutely maxed out on stalls; last year we had 60 odd, today we have 72.
“Everyone is just enjoying it, the weather is out, the people are out, and the community has come together as it always does every year.”
The parade also saw a dance performance from the Revelation Majorettes and a stunningly decorated trailer from Tanners Wood Farm. When considered alongside the street decorations lovingly put together by the Vintage Crafters, the event could comfortably be described as a visual spectacle.
Lining the stalls at Manor House Gardens, the home of the carnival, were businesses, charities, and even an Abbots News stand!
Our reporters relished the opportunity to speak with residents, sharing the work we do, receiving leads for future stories, and listening to the fascinating tales of those who make our community so special.
But it wasn’t all work, the site had funfair rides, hot food outlets, a licensed bar, crafts, activities, games stalls and bouncy castles, keeping attendees of all ages smiling. One stall that caught our reporters’ eyes was DENS, a charity supporting vulnerable people in the area.
Big names who appeared at the event included Gagan Mohindra, MP for South West Hertfordshire, local photographer Stephen Danzig, and councillors Stephen Giles-Medhurst, Vicky Edwards, and Ian Campbell. There was also an array of arena performers, including BURP, otherwise known as the Berkhamsted Ukulele Random Players.
Ash added: “It was just wonderful to see all the children, all the people, taking part in the procession and in the entertainment.”
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