Thornbury Carnival 2010

Thornbury Carnival

Thornbury's 2010 Carnival built on the success of the previous year, with a bigger Parade, and a wider range of stalls, including a marquee for fine crafts and foods, as well as an even better range of attractions.

Last seen during the final months of the Gloucestershire Regiment days, The Rifles again had a formal presence in Thornbury for the Carnival, with a Regimental Support group along with some vehicles and weapons used by the boys from Beachley

Each of the local cadet units had a good presence and displays, with cadet bands from Bristol and Trowbridge. The Royal British Legion’s County Standard was amongst others following the country’s top military band, The Central Band of the RAF, whose presence was sponsored by Old Down Country Park.

Thornbury Carnival

New Town Centre entertainment occupied visitors: the Inspire Arts Trust students provided 3 sets of buskers, who were joined by the colourful Clown Bobby, and 4 stilt-walkers from Bristol’s circus school, Cirque Bijou.

The Semis and Final of the Falcons’ organised Primary Schools’ 6-a-side soccer competition, and Bristol City’s Player of the Year, Cole Skuse, presented the awards, sponsored by The Knot of Rope.

A much increased vehicle content – classics, tractors and military, with sponsors Dick Lovett Mini, and local car dealers Thornbury Motors and Berkeley Vale Motors, with Cromhall Refinishing, offered interest for drivers. There were also displays by the Beaufort Model Flying Club and the Yate and Sodbury Model Boat Club.

Thornbury Carnival

Many community groups are now integral parts of the Carnival structure, helping to give prospects of continuity greater assurance. The commitments of such groups, some already thinking of what might be possible next year is welcome.

Amidst fierce competition from other events around the country, TCA chairman David Goldring secured no less than eleven musical groups to entertain the crowds on both the parade route and Carnival Field.

Although the stages were not programmed exclusively for music, some of the on-stage highlights included Thornbury’s full Orchestra, conducted by Chris Hill and the Thornbury Castle Band under the baton of new Director of Music, Geraint Barnes.

Castle School had a major presence on the day, with many of its young musicians performing in their Salsa Band, Steel Band and Gospel Choir.

Thornbury Carnival