It might have rained on the parade but the weather did not dampen the spirits of participants and onlookers at Ramsgate carnival today (July 30).
From ‘rubber ducks’ to weird and mythical creatures and Gaddzukes to Samba Ya Wantsum drumming, majorettes to Stormtroopers and a host of queens and princesses – the 100th Ramsgate parade wound its way through the town and seafront after mayor Pat Moore ‘opened’ the event.
At Government Acre there had been a fair, stalls, bar and entertainment over the weekend and even an outing for the East Kent Sleeping Giants with Frank Sweeney of GBC ( Great British Carnival ) dressed the Pirate Giant.
It is believed there are 2000 ‘giants’ in the UK and Kent has the largest concentration. In 2002 giant art projects were funded through National Lottery and KCC to bring back to life the sleeping giants through arts company Strange Cargo.
Carnival organisers also teamed up with Gadds’ to create a new beer, the Ramsgate CarnivAle, to raise funds for the annual event.
Housebuilder Barratt Homes sponsored the Croydon Steel Band which played at the parade.
Natalie Perry, Sales and Marketing Director for Barratt Homes Kent, said: “It was so amazing to see the community come together for the long-awaited 100th Ramsgate Carnival, and we hope everyone enjoyed the pan music from the Croydon Steel Band and the fantastic floats on display.”
Vice President of Ramsgate Carnival, Marion Pearce added: “The Ramsgate Carnival has been so loved and cherished by the whole of Kent’s wonderful community for decades, so it has been wonderful to bring back the festival for its centenary celebrations.
“Just as we think last year could not be topped, this year was even better and will definitely go down in the history books. I have been involved with the carnival in many different roles over the last 33 years, so I am even more thankful to Barratt Kent for their generous sponsorship, which aided our costs and efforts in bringing the best entertainment for the event.”
