A circus act for village’s big day
THE people of Burbage braved soaring temperatures to enjoy this year’s circus-themed carnival.
Partygoers were sure to pack bottles of water and sun cream as they followed the colourful procession down to Britannia Fields.
Regular leader Lynn Elkington led the floats in the two-mile circuit, dressed as a ringmaster and rallying people to join in, with a group from her Hinckley dance studio, Mys2dio.
She said: “I was impressed by how many were there to cheer us on for the procession.
“We almost went past my house, it was lovely to see my neighbours joining in.
“A lot of families heard the procession coming and then came down.”
Burbage sports groups and pubs also provided floats, while princesses Olivia Bevington, nine, and Freya Wynne, 10, waved to their crowds from their opentop float.
A number of marching bands were dressed up for the occasion, one from St Mary’s Hinckley and another from St Mary’s Barwell.
Little Explorers playgroup won first prize for their float, followed in second place by The Sycamores and The Anchor Inn pubs and in third by Hinckley AFC.
Dance group The Beatz won first prize in the parade category, with Mys2dio and TKT cheerleading coming second and third respectively.
Thousands turned out for the entertainment at Britannia Fields, which kicked off at noon with a set from guitarist Marky T.
There were also performances in the arena from The Beatz, interactive sessions with Mys2dio where the audience could join in, and a performance from Birmingham-based rapper, Smiiffy.
Sonja Howitt, one of the organisers, said: “All the performances were excellent, and the princesses loved being given their crowns and sashes.”
Visitors enjoyed some quality food, with the Italian Stallion’s wood-fired pizzas proving popular, and two ice cream vans on hand to keep onlookers cool.
Sonja added: “The were very popular.
“We had a five-gallon water butt with cups in the lead safety car, and shade was available in the form of two gazebos.”
A fun fair was also set up for the day.
Burbage Community Arts Festival, 1st Burbage Guides, Burbage Cricket Club, Hinckley and Burbage Lions and Hinckley AFC each received £200 by the organisers. Burbage Infants School was given £500. slushies