Saturday 8th August
Wadebridge Carnival
Pipers: Nigel (Pipe Major), Alex, Rob, Miranda, Keith G, David C, Felicity, John C, Allan
Drummers: Tenor – Vic, Snare – Andrew, John R, Eleanor, Bass – Keith I, Sue (Guest Drummer)
Saturday dawned with blue skies and sunshine and remained so for most of the day. It was a good turnout of 9 pipers and 6 drummers which included a guest drummer. The Members met in the car park near the Bowling Green around 5.30 and were tuned up and ready to join the Parade for a 19.00 hours start. After the band had formed up for a practice they had a session playing with the Bideford Pipes and Drums which all thoroughly enjoyed.
The recreation field was already filling up with the public and fancy dressers who were being assembled for their judging. Dress code was Day Dress with jackets as there was a cooling breeze. The route this year was perhaps a little over a mile and differed slightly from previous years, taking off from the main road to cross the old bridge and then the circular route before rejoining the main road again. The bridge and streets of Wadebridge seemed packed to bursting point in some parts with families intent on enjoying the vibrant Carnival atmosphere waving flags and streamers, cheering and clapping as the various entries passed by.
The Carnival was a long one, and well organized and started on time. Other bands taking part were the Wadebridge Silver Band, Bideford Youth Pipes and Drums and Samba Band. Other entries included Fairy Queens, humorous themes on lorries and floats, the local Fire Engine and fancy dressers on foot to name but a few.
Tunes played during the Carnival included – Highland Cathedral, Last of The Great Whales, Dark Isle, Green Hills/Battles O’er, Scotland the Brave/Rowan Tree/Wings/Bonny Galloway, Scotland the Brave/Mairi’s Wedding, Waters of Kylesku/Skye Boat/Morag of Dunvegan, Cockney Jocks/Rainbow Country/Bluebells of Scotland, The High Road to Gairloch, Murdo’s Wedding, The Bonnie Lass of Fyvie.
It had been a lovely sunny Carnival with a good atmosphere and the crowds had been appreciative. The Band had looked good and performed to their usual high standard and with the added bonus of two Bass drums had sounded impressive.
