SUNSHINE brought out the crowds for March Festival weekend with organisers hailing it as a huge success. Festival committee members congratulated those who took part in the three-day extravaganza and also the people of March who supported it. Committee ch

SUNSHINE brought out the crowds for March Festival weekend with organisers hailing it as a huge success.

Festival committee members congratulated those who took part in the three-day extravaganza and also the people of March who supported it.

Committee chairman Councillor Bernard Keane said he was delighted with this year's event, despite initial fears that Saturday's gala parade would be a flop because of problems insuring vehicles used as floats.

Cllr Keane, who is stepping down as chairman because of other commitments, said: "I was thrilled to bits after all the worry over the parade. The new regulations and the hassle they have caused has been horrendous. They are killing things like this off."

Several vintage vehicles took part in the parade but it was made up mostly of walkers representing various local organisations.

Parade organiser Wendy Stockbridge said: "March people should be congratulated for their support of the event, it was fantastic.

"Everyone was well behaved and enjoyed themselves."

Mrs Stockbridge said the committee would be considering what form the gala parade would take next year.

She said: "I think people still like to see floats and one way of getting around the problems of vehicles may be to use tractors and trailers."

Mrs Stockbridge said she had been disappointed by the lack of response from schools. She said: "I sent out letters to every school in March and didn't get one reply."

She added the committee was looking for new members and would particularly welcome support from young people.

Groups taking part in the parade were judged by committee member Patsy Brewin. The cup was won by March branch of the Royal Naval Association, runners-up were Young People March and March Museum. All three winners were presented with shields donated by Qualitech Components.

The gala in West End Park, organised as usual by March and Chatteris Lions, featured a fancy dress competition, car boot sale, fairground rides, a display by March Militaires Majorettes, the Wississippi Jazzmen and Pig Dyke Molly Dancers.

Another popular event was a programme by Lisa Dickinson's 'Dance Mania' dancers.