I think the parade is a very valuable part of the carnival - drawing everyone's attention to what is going on and where it is. It, however, requires a lot of advanced planning with local shops, schools, community groups in the area being asked to take part at least 6 months before the carnival takes place to allow enough time for floats/cars/costumes to be decorated and created and to work out any marching routines, etc.

The band that performs for the Remembrance Day walk to the war memorial would be brilliant to use.

In short the parade should be reinstated but with adequate planning resources and input from the community to make sure it is a parade and not a soggy stroll, as was unfortunately the case the last time it took place in the rain.

Clare Riddiford

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