PIRATES, snakes and blistering sunshine lent an exotic feel to the second day of the New Addington People's Carnival.
Hundreds of people came to Milne Park today to see the pirate-themed carnival procession finish in the arena and visit dozens of other stalls and shows. The creative floats had left Vulcan Way around midday and arrived in Milne Park around one o'clock, led by the Surbiton Royal British Legion Youth Marching Band.
Sally Rivers, project manager at Timebridge Youth Club, whose shipful of pirates won second prize, said: "It was great. "We have been looking at it for about two or three months - talking about what we are going to do. "Lots of people were on the streets to watch.
"We were singing our song all the way- "everywhere we go, people want to know..."
Founded in the early 1950s, the annual carnival is making a comeback after taking a break between 2003 and 2010.
Lifelong New Addington resident Christine Perry, of Headley Drive, said: "I'm glad to see it back. "It's the Addington community that has bought it back and they have done it really well."Gwen Smith, retired, added: "I've been up here 57 years and they always put on a good show."Among the most popular events today was a comedic wrestling performance from British Extreme Championship Wrestling. "We are having fun," said James Carter, 38, aka wrestler 'Super Dad.'
Other popular stalls were the 'cuddly' snakes brought by Reptile Events, a bucking bronco ride, and superhero wrestling for children. Jim Avis, from Sussex, was helping man a stall raising money for the Brenda Kirby Cancer Centre in New Addington. "The people here are generous," he said, "and it is also fantastic to have a bit of a natter with them and make them laugh."Keylee Harwood, 24, of Central Parade, was one of the many boot-sellers who had been up since the early hours. She said: "I'm going to try and finish this then get down to see the carnival floats."That's what the kids are waiting for."
More photos and videos to follow...
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