City in carnival spirit for Lord Mayor’s parade

Jun 4 2007 by Paula Owens, Liverpool Daily Post

AN EXTRAVAGANZA of vibrant colours, eye-catching floats and dramatic dance brought a carnival feel to the city centre.

More than 10,000 spectators lined the streets to cheer on the 2007 Lord Mayor’s Parade.

Marking the start of the civic year and publicly welcoming Liverpool’s new Lord Mayor, Paul Clark, the parade, now in its 35th year, was also a celebration of the city’s 800th birthday.

One of the biggest events of its kind in the country, this year’s parade was themed in honour of the city’s cultural heritage.

Dozens of brightly-coloured floats took part snaking their way through the streets.

Liberal Democrat councillor Lord Mayor Paul Clark, who lives in Grassendale, thoroughly enjoyed Saturday’s event.

He said: “The good weather came out as did the people in their thousands. It was a great success.

“The atmosphere was fantastic, the city was buzzing. I got smiles and good wishes from people. It was a delightful way to start the civic year.

“I was in the Lord Mayor’s horse-drawn carriage, which dates back to 1826, with my wife and two daughters. It was a great thrill to ride in such a beautiful coach with so much history attached to it.

“We had 45 entrants – some on floats, but also marching bands, dancers and so on.”

He added: “It was one of best parades we’ve ever had. I had the chance to watch all the entrants pass by from the Castle Street grandstand. The standard was excellent.”

Entrants in the parade included members of St John’s Ambulance, Merseyside Caribbean Centre, Liverpool Samba School, Liverpool Hindu Cultural Organisation, Liverpool Chinese Community, Lark Lane Youth Club and Harthill Youth Centre Empire Morris Dancers.

Starting at Pall Mall at 1pm, the parade headed along Tithebarn Street and then on to Lime Street, where it passed the crowded steps of St George’s Hall.

It continued down St John’s Lane to Victoria Street and Lord Street before stopping at a grandstand on Castle Street and finally winding its way back to Pall Mall for a 3pm finish.

Yesterday, at a ceremony held at the Town Hall, awards were presented to several entrants by the Lord Mayor.

The award for the best parade entry went to Liverpool Caribbean Centre whose float was decorated as a tropical island.

Liverpool Hindu Centre won the best non-military band award while Liverpool Samba School was declared the best non-float entrant.

Funds raised from the event are to be split between a number of national and local charities.

SEE a picture gallery from Saturday's parade online later today at www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk

paulaowens