HEAVY rain didn’t dampen the carnival spirit in Luton, as thousands of people lined the streets to enjoy the fabulous procession and join the party on Bank Holiday Monday
Smiling through the pouring rain, performers carried on shimmying to exotic music all through the town and their enthusiasm didn’t wane for a second, even though some of the dancing girls were wearing nothing more than sparkling underwear and feathers and were soaked to the skin.
As the purple city status bid bus set off to lead the procession from Wardown Park at about 1.30pm it looked as if despite the grey skies the rain might hold off.
It was followed by more than 70 floats including Foxdell Infant School, Beechill Primary School, Ashcroft Green Primary School, Leagrave Primary School and Pirton Hill School, as well as organisations like Keech Hospice Care.
Each float was more impressive than the last, featuring fantastic costumes and blaring musi
Children on stilts, clowns and even a fire breathing dragon provided entertainment to the watching crowds, as balloons, sweets and flags were handed out over the barriers.
The heavens opened mid afternoon but many revellers were not deterred and continued cheering and clapping.
In Upper George Street carnival enthusiasts raved in the rain, bouncing around to dance music and enjoying the street party.
There was also music from the BBC Introducing Stage main stage in Wardown Park, headlined by 80s group The Boomtown Rats, as well as world music, reggae and jazz stages.
Rob Lawson, 26, said: “It’s a shame about the rain but actually it’s still a brilliant atmosphere. I’m here with my mates, we’re having a great time. Who cares about getting wet?”
Most people came prepared for the weather, like Vera Trass, 91 and Vera Matee, 65, who were looking stylish in an orange patterned poncho and a chic waterproof head scarf.
Ms Trass said: “It’s been absolutely wonderful. We came from Northamptonshire to join in and we were waiting for about 45 minutes to make sure we had a good spot for the parade. The Keech Hospice float has been the best one so far I think.”
Some party people were dancing in the rain in nothing but a t-shirt and looked like they were having the time of their lives.
Alexandra Picton, 8, from Luton, was enjoying the carnival with her mum Leander Picton, 40. Alexandra said: “This is my first time at the carnival and I think it’s brilliant. My favourite people so far that I’ve seen have been the dancing girls in red with the flowery sticks, they were really good, they were dancing around loads.”
The fantastic floats kept the party atmosphere going and spirits were high throughout the town.
Luton resident Katherine Greenway said: “It’s just brilliant to have such a lovely event here. The atmosphere has really been so good, it’s nice that this is such a positive thing. Everyone is coming together and enjoying themselves. We get so much bad press in Luton but something like this just shows what we can do as a town, we are all just having fun and enjoying ourselves.”
Sisters Maisy Scott, 13, and Tilly Scott, 8, from Luton, were watching the procession with their dad Malcolm Scott.
Maisy said: “I’m most excited about seeing all the pretty costumes, and I’m looking forward to going and trying some of the different world foods like Caribbean food after the procession.
Although the procession was the main event of the afternoon, there was plenty more to enjoy, with fairground rides and amusements in Wardown Park and St George’s Square, food and drink stalls and eleven sound stages including the Young People’s Stage at Telford Way car park featuring local DJs and MCs.
First time Carnival goers Nikki Jackson, 42, and Doreen Blyth, 66, came from Bedford for the day. Ms Blyth said: “We had seen the carnival on the TV all the years before and we wanted to see what it was like for ourselves. It’s better than Bedford so far!”
Barbara Farrow, 53, who was enjoying the carnival with her sister said: “We are loving it, despite the weather. We have been here the last three years, and I think it’s bigger and better than last year. We’ve had a great day, it’s a lovely thing for Luton.”