Saturday 10th October
Launceston Carnival
Pipers: Nigel (Pipe Major), Keith G, Miranda, David C, John C, Guest Pipers: Matt, John E
Drummers: Bass – Keith I, Guest Drummer – Sue
Saturday dawned with grey skies and a cold air and this continued into the evening in Launceston but the happy Carnival atmosphere in the town was unaffected and the streets were crowded as usual with families and visitors intent on enjoying the yearly celebration.
The 7 Pipers and 2 Drummers met in the multi-storey car park in Westgate Street, and the dress code was Day Dress and capes if required. At 17.00 hours there was a brief tune-up before meeting in the British Legion Hall to await transport to the assembly point. There was a quick photo-shoot, while the light was good, before boarding the bus at 18.00 hours.
In the town fast food stalls were set up, the balloon man was doing a good trade and the air was filled with the wonderful catchy rhythms of the strolling jazz band, Jumping Out as they toured up and down the streets. The Parade set off from the Industrial Estate at 19.30 hours led by the Town Band and followed closely by three Fire Engine vehicles and Launceston Carnival Queen. It was a long parade containing the Police Pipe Band, three Samba Bands, Newquay Town Band, Royalty and Attendants from nearby villages, dancers and majorettes, hundreds of fancy dressers, junior motor cyclists, classic vehicles and tractors and floats with comical themes, to name but a few of the entrants.
The route was mainly uphill back into the Town Centre and the Kernow Band was the last entrant – looking good and sounding impressive as they came through the St John’s Bridge and the public clapped and cheered their appreciation. By 20.30 it was the end of the Carnival and the Band was dismissed and the Pipe Major spoke to the members, thanking the Band and the visiting Pipers and Drummer for taking part. The Members then made their way to the British Legion Hall for refreshments kindly provided by the Carnival Organisers.
Tunes played during the evening included the following – Green Hills/Battles O’er, Scotland the Brave/Rowan Tree/Wings/Bonny Galloway, Scotland the Brave/Mairi’s Wedding, Cockney Jocks/Rainbow Country/Bluebells of Scotland, The High Road to Gairloch/Murdo’s Wedding/The Bonnie Lass of Fyvie.
It had been a great Carnival with a lovely atmosphere and the additional company of the visiting Drummer and Pipers from Devon had been an embellishment to the Kernow Band and it had not rained!
