Fenland Gymnastics Club scored a first in the 54-year history of Wisbech Rose Fair on Saturday when their ‘Where’s Wally’ float scooped first prize - making them the first group to win the accolade two year’s on the trot
The town was filled with thousands of people, who lined the streets to watch this year’s parade of floats with this year’s theme ‘for the love of books’.
Saturday - the third day of the annual Rose Fair which launched on Wednesday with a gala evening at St Peter’s church - also saw a flypast from the RAF Memorial flight which included an iconic Spit Fire.
St Peter’s Church was once again a main attraction with its stunning flower show, which this year had the theme ‘For what we are truly thankful’.
Town mayor Councillor Steve Tierney, who was joined the mayoral float by his son Joe, was one of a team of five judges, which also included local MP Steve Barclay, mayoress Marie Tierney, Rose Queen Jordan Pope and chairman of the Round Table, who judged the floats.
Cllr Tierney, who praised the high standard of this year’s entries, said it was a difficult choice but in the end Fenland Gynastics “just had the edge” over the Thomas Clarkson Academy’s flat which was highly commended,
It had a series of tableaux depicting various books from Dracular to Harry Potter.
Wisbech St Mary Primary School won the best junior float with their Jungle Book themed entry.
Cllr Tierney said the whole town was alive with a buzzing atmosphere for the day, which also included flower shows in other local churches including both the Methodist and Baptist chapels.
There was live entertainment in Museum Square, organ recitals in the church and performances from local schools.
Wisbech Castle was the venue for the annual art exhibition by local artists and there was a display of historic vehicles in the car park.
Cllr Tierney, who was coerced into playing the kazoo during one band’s performance of ‘Delilah’ on the Market Place added: “It was a wonderful day. There was a fantastic atmosphere all day long and no trouble any where.”
The four day celebration ended on Sunday with a service of thanksgiving and Holy Communion at St Peter’s.
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