SUNSHINE welcomed hundreds of people as Witham’s annual carnival came to town.

A parade of floats passed through the town centre on Saturday afternoon.

The procession was led by the newly crowned carnival court.

Queen Lauren Stevens, 14, princesses Emma Hopegood, ten, and Ruby Martin, nine, rosebud queen Angelica Hackett, six, honorary princess Ella Barden, ten, and prince Leo Rumbelow, eight, all took part in the event.

There were a variety of floats with marching bands, visiting carnival queens, majorette groups, children’s groups, businesses, dance schools and many more.

Witham MP Priti Patel was in attendance alongside town mayor JoAnn Williams.

Visitors were also treated to a fun fair in the Maldon Road park and a host of events in the afternoon.

Groups including KL Aerial Fitness, Witham Big and Little Sing, 295 Squadron ATC and Rascals Theatre School performed to the crowds.

There were also side shows, stalls and community group stalls.

The carnival is organised and run by the Witham Carnival Association.

Carly Victor, of the Witham Carnival Association, said: "We set off from the rugby club and there was a great atmosphere down there when everyone was getting ready.

"The highlight was seeing so many people lining the High Street as well as the stalls and the acts in the arena.

"After the carnival we had a special presentation for two of our committee members Dave and Claire Keyes who have done 30 years service to the carnival.

"It was a fantastic day and there were no hiccups.

"There was such a great community spirit. Everyone enjoyed themselves and everyone looked like they were having fun."

The final total will now be added up and the money handed out to groups and charities in October.

To nominate a group email chaperone@withamcarnival.org.uk.

Winners of the competitions:

Court of the Day

  1. Braintree & Bocking

2. Burnham on Crouch
3. Basildon & Pitsea

Class 1- Visiting Queens
1. Great Dunmow
2. Miss Invicta Kent
3. Coggeshall

Class 1- Visiting Princess Pairs
1. Stanford & Corringham
2. Wickford
3. Mersea Island

Class 2- Visiting Queens Float
1. Clacton on Sea
2. Brightlingsea
3. Enfield

Class 3- Fancy Dress
1. Dakin Family
2. D Wise
3. T Wright

Class 4- Decorated Floats
1. Witham Rugby Club
2. Witham Town Youth Football Club


Class 5- Decorated Private Vehicles
1. Ella's Butterfly
2. Dakin Family
3. Witham TAGB Tae Kwon-Do


Class 6- Decorated Trade Vehicles
1. Benson School of Motoring
2. Utility Warehouse
3. MOT & Service Centre

Class 7- Visiting Bands
1. Piper

Class 7- Witham Bands
1. 295 (Witham & Rivenhall) Squadron


Class 7- Visiting Majorettes
1. Leigh Starlites
2. Silver Gems
3. Rainbow Supreme

Class 7- Witham Majorettes
1. Innovations

Most Original
Dakin Family

Best Overall
Ella's Butterfly

Best Stall
1. Royal British Legion
2. Witham Lioness
3. R.N.L.I

Best Window
1. Vision Opticians
2. Michelle Floral Design
3. Helen Rollanson
4. St Georges Ltd
Highly Commended Yaxley Hair & Beauty


Poster Design
Maltings Academy

  • Due to a printing error pictures of Witham Carnival are not in this week's Times. They will appear in the next edition of the paper - out on July 20.