Cheltenham Carnival & Fun Day

Cheltenham Carnival & Fun Day

More than 5,000 people flocked to Montpellier Gardens for a day of free family entertainment, followed by a colourful and tuneful procession through the town.

Soaking up the carnival spirit was grandmother Jenny Rodriguez, 55, from Cheltenham, and her three-year-old granddaughter Kady.

“It’s been a great family event. It’s nice to see the carnival getting back on its feet,” she said.

The event started at 10am with family fun in Montpellier Gardens. There was a play centre, arts and crafts stalls and face painting. An outdoor performance area provided a platform for locals singers and dancers.

Two-year-old Edward Hill from Cheltenham was one of a long line of children queuing to sample the work of professional face painter Margo Gabryelska from Ross on Wye. “I have not stopped all day, not even for two minutes,” said Margo.

“Batman and Spiderman seem to be the favourites, but I’ve done plenty of fairies and tiger as well.”

At 4.30pm carnival floats and entertainers set off around the town.

Donning their costumes and joining the procession before they took to the stage at the Bacon Theatre at Dean Close School was the cast of Oliver.

Ten-year-old David Parrott will be taking the title role in the play which runs from July 14 to 17. Asked the secret becoming a star he said: “Lots of rehearsals”.

Evening Echo - Monday May 17

LINC would like to thank everyone who took part, volunteered and came along to the Cheltenham Carnival.

The weather was perfect and the atmosphere was great, the Carnival and Family Fun Day started at 10am and carried on late into the evening ending with Couterfeit Abba at D Fly who very kindly donated there venue to LINC.