Despite the rain Ashington Festival was as big as ever this year. Starting with a large Carnival procession leaving the top roundabout, north of Ashington at 1.30pm. Holding the Carnival Banner was Dave Alford and David Jackson in Cowboy and Indian costumes. ‘The Surrey Pipe Band’ was the leading band for the procession followed by the Carnival Princess and her two Attendants and two Pageboys. There was a lot of colourful floats, bands, majorette troops also vintage vehicles, clowns and lots more.
The Festival was held on Ashington Recreation Ground, Church Lane which started at 2.30 pm after the arrival of the Carnival procession. There was arena events with the main act being Stallions of Substance an act that combined sisters, stallions and a little brother on a motorbike the act included humour, stunts and the obvious love and trust between horses and riders. The Wessex International Majorettes danced a dance routine, also ‘Charlie’ the clown was there with lots of children’s entertainment.
In the Community Centre was the Flower Show where you were able to see a beautiful display of vegetables, flowers and craft items all at a very high standard.
On the Recreation Ground we had Harris Brothers fun fair, a car boot sale, side-shows, craft and charity stalls, a children’s farm with lots of animals to see and also ferrets and Bungee Trampolines. Near the Recreation Ground was an American and British Classic, Hot Rod and Custom Car Show. Also there was a Fun Dog Show.