Christmas fun in Harpenden (From St Albans & Harpenden Review)

Christmas fun in Harpenden

5:20pm Sunday 28th November 2010 in News By Alex Lewis

HARPENDEN filled with cheerful crowds this afternoon for the town's annual Christmas carnival, sponsored this year by the Review.

A colourful parade of floats and bands, led by a coach pulled by two handsome horses, won plenty of cheers, while excited children queued for fairground rides.

The carnival, culminating in the ceremonial switch-on of the town centre's Christmas lights, is organised by a regular committee of worthy citizens, with help from the town council and Harpenden Rotary.

Town councillor Michael Weaver, one of the organising committee, said: "We don't try to make money - we just aim to break even.

"It is a way of bringing the community together, promoting trade and giving everybody a lot of fun.

"Last year the police estimated there were 8,500 people here. The weather was cold and wet - this year it is better, so we should top that."

Harpenden Mayor Daniel Chichester-Miles said: "It is an amazing event - a tribute to our community.

"A lot of people give a lot of time to making it work, and it is great to see so many young people involved.

"It shows Harpenden is not just a dormitory town - it is a living, breathing community."

Angel Huelamo, selling locally made honey from a stall, said: "It is definitely a lot busier than the usual farmers' market. The Christmas carnival is very good for us traders, although it is very crowded for our customers."

Six-year-old Lili Chandler told the Review: "I really liked the parade - my favourite was Father Christmas."

Sue Smith, a family friend looking after Lili, said: "It is a very nice event. There is a good family atmosphere and it is a great way of getting in the mood for Christmas."

Liz Jack, leader of the 12th Harpenden Scout Group, said: "We are selling teas, coffees and hot chocolate, to raise money to send a group to a jamboree in Haarlem in Holland.

"We want to be able to provided a subsidy, so some of the less well off can go as well.

"In the early part of the afternoon it seemed a bit thin, but it is always busiest between three and six."

The lights were turned on at 5pm by Amy Gorman, winner of a town council Christmas card design conpetition.

She was joined on the main stage by Larry Lamb, better known in Eastenders as Archie Mitchell, and playing Captain Hook in this year's Alban Arena pantomime.

He told the Review: "Rehearsals start tomorrow and I am really looking forward to it.

"Not only have I never been in panto before, but I have never even seen a panto, so it should be quite an experience for me."