Three hundred people turned up for the opening Rock in the Park to herald the start of the three day March Summer Festival.
With music from Damaged, Kamikaze Hotshot, Death Radio, Vendetta and Dirty Kirst their mix of hardcore punk and rock interspersed with acoustic songs from local singer-songwriter Rob Paling, could best be described as not for the ‘faint-hearted.’
Rain didn’t stop the festivities on Saturday for the Lions Gala but by the time the vintage vehicles and local groups gathered in City Road Lorry Park the rain was torrential.
Despite the rain a large of number of vehicles took part in the first March Vintage Vehicle parade.
Ray Howes, who organised the vintage turn out, said: “Given the weather, the parade was fantastic. I am really impressed at the number of people who brought out their valuable vintage cars even though it was raining. One small Austin Seven came over from Haverhill.”
The parade was led by Sambanda followed by the gala princess Nina Bridger, 11, and her attendant, Lila Mai Mottram, 9,
The afternoon gala was opened by Lions president elect Yvonne Eatock with the mayor Councillor Kit Owen and Patsy Brewin. They were followed by the presentation of the trophies to the Winners in the Parade: Dance Mania members as ‘Grease’ (Mallett Trophy for Best in Parade) and the 4th March Brownies and Rainbows (Skoulding Trophy for Best Individuals).
The fancy dress competition was judged by Mr and Mrs John Whitehead and Patsy Brewin. Prizes were awarded to Lola Dickinson as a Pink Lady from Grease, Toni Arnold as a Fantasy Queen and Lauren Pailing as Tron. A special prize for effort was also given to Sharon Shepherd.
Performances included Lisa Dickinson’s Dance Mania and Sarah’s Street Style Dance, interspersed with Tom Harlock and Aimee Peart-Webb. The afternoon ended with young singer guitarist Misty Jones.
The winners of the classic car parade, namely John Ridley for his Riley 472 and Chris Wayman for his 1959 Mark 1 Scootarcar were presented with trophies by Bruce Smith.
The evening Pop in the Park included Radiowave followed by Wild Honey and the classic rock band Soulweaver.
The night was rounded off by a Las Vegas style concert by Benwick based Elvis Tribute act Gary Jay supported by The Wonder of Elvis Band.
On Sunday hundreds enjoyed the Picnic in the Park with music provided by the Fenland Youth Swing Band, The Rob James Band and The Rusty Relics and members of March and District Amateur Operatic Society.
For the children there were varied activities including a circus skills workshop with Adrian Ley, storytelling by Peter Optical and the colouring competition organised by Penny Hicks. Prizes were awarded to Jenson High and James Venni (Under 5 category); Isabel Dickinson Lennon......and Molly...... (5 – 7 year old); Deanna Rayner and Nina Cottam (8 – 11 year old) and Hanna Whinnett and Alice Sobeleus (12 and over). The afternoon was enhanced by face painting provided by Hayley Dolbear.
The evening concluded with a rousing performance by the Alan Norris Big Band.
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