BIGGER crowds than ever lined the streets to watch floats, marching bands and fancy dress revelers as Ellesmere Carnival celebrated its 100th anniversary on Saturday.
Organizers were delighted with the large turnout and the fact that the event was bathed in wonderful sunny weather.
In Cremorne Gardens entertainment was provided by Batala Bangor, Cambria Band, Royal Welsh Fusiliers Corps of Drums Association, Karma Samba and Wirral Samba Drummers. Music during the evening was provided by husband and wife duo Wintersound and Deejay Jason Page.
The Border Counties Gymnastics was showcased and the Carnival queens were crowned, followed by the announcement of the winners of the fancy dress and best float competitions. There were fairground rides for children, craft and charity stalls, food stalls, beer tent, tea tent, games and much more.
“It was fantastic to see so many people coming together to celebrate the 100th anniversary carnival and the first since the closure,” said the town’s mayor Anne Wignall.
“We had a wonderful day and Cremorne Gardens was buzzing with activity. The carnival committee pulled out all the stops and put on an incredible show for the town. I would like to thank them and all the volunteers and businesses who gave their support to make this event such a success. Well done, Ellesmere – community spirit at its best.”
There was also a heartwarming moment during the carnival day when a well-known former resident of the town was commemorated with his statue.
Ellesmere Mayor Anne Wignall unveils the Chinese George Goose statue. Photo by David Atkinson
A memorial to George, the friendly Chinese goose, was unveiled by Cllr Wignall. George became an ‘ambassador’ for Ellesmere during his more than 20 years living in Mere, before his death in March.
Cllr Wignall unveiled the statue on Saturday, which is being placed in the shallow waters adjacent to the simple promenade where George greeted visitors. It follows a community fundraising campaign.
Crowds of well-wishers gathered to see the life-size statue and plaque that had been carefully placed in the shallow waters of Mera.
“George is back where he belongs – in Mere where he lived happily for over 20 years,” said Cllr Wignall.
“He was such a great character who was friendly to everyone and he was always happy to eat out of people’s hands.”
The mayor thanked Becca Moore who knew George well and was so determined to create a statue of him that she started fundraising on social media. After the reveal, Becca said: “Welcome home, George. He loved her more than he knew.”
Thanks were given to local mason Tony Lewery for co-ordinating the project and Tudor Griffiths for providing the stone on which George now stands, brought from the TG quarry in North Wales. Local craftsman Chris Stokes created the plaque.
Cllr Wignall thanked everyone who had donated money to the project, including local businesses who had displayed collection boxes. “This has been a community project which could not have happened without the support of so many people,” she said.
“Thank you to everyone who helped. George will now continue to delight residents, children and visitors for many years to come.”
