Wednesday November 14th
Truro City of Lights Lantern Parade
Pipers: Nigel, Alex, Rob, Stuart, Ian, David, Chris, Miranda, Keith G, Tom G, Keith N
Drummers: Snare: James, Tom W Tenor: Geoff, Amber Bass: Keith I
Banner Bearer: Andrew
It had been a beautiful day for mid November and the weather stayed perfect for the evening in Truro with clear skies and little or no wind. Truro was very busy and the car parks were rapidly filling up. The pavements also were fast becoming congested as families waited patiently for the colourful Festival of Lights Parade to begin.
There was a good turnout of 11 pipers and 5 drummers and the dress code was Day dress and pipes without ribbons but with lights on the pipes. By 6.30 the band members were dressed and rehearsing in the Viaduct car park – their pipes and drums duly dressed in bright lights. By 6.50 they were lined up by the roadside waiting to bring up the rear of the procession. The Samba Band led the Parade with vibrant colourful dancers. There were children holding paper lanterns and also in fancy dress and a very enthusiastic band of drummers. The giant paper lanterns did not disappoint – a recognizable King Henry 8th, Queen Victoria, Queen Elizabeth 1st and King Neptune at least and there were so many more – the creations the hard work of local schools, colleges and youth organizations.
At 7.30 the Kernow Pipes & Drums started up the hilly road, pausing occasionally to play a short medley much to the apparent delight of the onlookers. All along the route the happy crowds were vocal in their praise with loud cheering and clapping. Tunes played included – The British Legion set comprising: Pack up your troubles, Keep the Home Fires Burning and It’s a long way to Tipperary, Waters of Kylesku, Skye Boat Song, Morag of Dunvegan, Green Hills, Battles O’er, Scotland the Brave, Marie’s Wedding, Highland Cathedral, and Amazing Grace.
The Band arrived in the crowded Lemon Quay around 9 pm and played two more tunes before dismissal. The evening had been another enjoyable and uplifting event for everyone.
