Fabulous show from Uckfield Bonfire and Carnival Society

Thousands lined the streets of Uckfield last night to enjoy a fabulous show put on by the Uckfield Bonfire and Carnival Society.

More than 20 other bonfire societies from across Sussex supported the event, writes Cathy Watson.

They processed in elaborate, hand-made costumes, carrying flaming torches up and down the High Street and around back streets.

Four bands took part too, the Heathfield Silver Band, Holy Cross Scout Band, Newhaven Youth Marching Band and the Kingfisher Scout Band.

Dancers, including troops from Debs Dancers and Universal Dance, impressed the crowds with their unfailing energy and floats from community organisations were appreciated too. They included entries from Dawson Hart, Rocks Park School and the Grasshoppers junior football club.

There was enthusiastic support earlier in the day when the children's parade took place. It was reckoned to be the biggest and best so far held in the town.

Again Debs Dancers and Universal Dance members joined in and the Uckfield Community Technology College carnival group Spiritus drummers added to the atmosphere as the parade wound its way up and down the High Street starting at the Victoria Ground and finishing at the Holy Cross School field where judging took place.

Characters included a garden gnome, Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz, Little Miss Sunshine, Little Red Riding Hood, pirates and Noah's Ark.

It was good to see Uckfield Bonfire and Carnival Society president Mel Watts and wife Di posing for a picture which included four generations of their family, daughter Carol, secretary of the Uckfield society, grandchildren Louise and Jack and Louise's son Neo.

There were sad farewells to Uckfield rector, the Rev Brian Wilcox attending his last carnival as he retires next week. Bonfire society members have enjoyed the wacky hats worn by the rector over 14 years at bonfire carol services. Mr Wilcox produced a red sparkly number for his last carnival.

The Uckfield carnival launches the bonfire season and similar spectacular events will follow across the county in the weeks leading up to November 5.

Many thanks to Ben Gillam for the first of our photographs from Uckfield Bonfire and Carnival Society events.

More of Ben's carnival pictures can be seen here on Flickr. To come: photographs of the children's parade and of the floats.

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