A special theme for village’s 40th anniversary carnival day

Hundreds of people turned out in Somersham on Saturday to celebrate the village’s 40th carnival.

Festivities began with crowds lining the Trundle, Feoffees Road, High Street and Parkhall Road to watch a vibrant display of board game characters and walkers as the procession made its way around the village.

Carnival princess Hollie Checkley and her attendants, Sophie Kimpton and Hattie Bird, led the walkers and floats for the opening of the event.

The Best Group of Walkers award was handed to Bumps and Babes who dressed as the board game Twister.

The Best School Float was won by First Steps Playgroup, with their decorated Mouse Trap float. The Best Club or Pub Float was won by Parkhall Equestrian who were all dressed as chess pieces, and the Best Stall award was won by the Women’s Institute with their snakes and ladders-themed stall which contained a selection of hand-knitted snakes.

The winner of the fancy dress competition was Rachel with her snakes and ladders costume.

Theresa Baird, chairman of the Somersham Carnival Committee, said: “To celebrate our 40th carnival day, wheelbarrow races were held – old and young participated and great fun was had by all.

“Wheelbarrows were a big part of the parade and a fair held in 1937 to celebrate the king’s coronation – a precursor to today’s carnival. Many of the traditions, like the parade, baby show and tug of war continue to be enjoyed and supported each year.

“The weather was lovely – dry, bright and warm - this year and crowds of people poured on to the field after the procession and had a wonderful time.”

Visitors to the event also enjoyed various stalls, food, drink, attractions including a fairground, inflatables and competitions. There was also music on the stage from St Ives Rhythm and Blues Band, Caitlyn and Lewis Proctor, Ffion Rebecca, D’manD, and Ruby Muse throughout the afternoon as well as music provided by the Somersham Town Band.