by RUTH LOGNONNE ruth.lognonne@hexham-courant.co.uk

Last updated at 15:47, Wednesday, 21 July 2010

IT might have failed to bag the major Oscars this year, but Avatar cleaned up at Haltwhistle on Sunday.

Title
Author
Copyright

Description

A fantastically decorated float, carrying more than 30 blue-painted warriors, stole the show at the South Tyne capital’s 19th carnival.

Setting scenes from the jungle-based blockbuster on wheels was the brainchild of Haltwhistle resident, Sheila Beverley, and scooped the top prize of best overall float on the day.

And it was a second win in a row for the close-knit team of float designers, whose glamorous Gangsters and Molls creation scooped first prize at last year’s event.

Theresa Sparke, who played the part of the Avatar doctor, said the team had worked on the float for more than a month leading up to the carnival.

“We’ve been involved with the carnival for 19 years and it would seem strange not to do it,” she said.

“Everybody in Haltwhistle takes part and the streets are filled with people year after year.

“It’s a long-running commitment, but everybody does their best and that’s all that matters.

“Our team is aged between three and 55, and the great thing is, everyone pulls together and gets on really well.”

It was regional ITV favourite, Philippa Tomson, who had the unenviable task of judging the floats and fancy dress classes.

However, the last time the petite presenter set foot in Haltwhistle, she was knee-deep in snow.

“The last time I came here the weather was really bad,” she said. “I was sent to the centre of Haltwhistle to do a live broadcast and the snow was pretty much past my knees!

“It’s nice to come back when the weather’s a bit better, and when you look at how much time people have spent over their floats and costumes, you can appreciate how important this event is to the people of Haltwhistle.”

Leading the way to the Old Show Field was Carnival Princess Emily Alderson, who was accompanied by her two young attendants, Bobbi Caisley and Mitchell Sloane.

Sunday’s carnival royalty was preceded by the Newcastle Pipe Band of Scottish bagpipers, who set the scene for a very grand procession.

Chugging merrily behind in decorated vehicles were colourful characters like Elvis Presley, the X Factor judges and SpongeBob SquarePants.

But in the parade, some things never change – lots of cross-dressing and high-powered water pistols, most of them pointed at an unsuspecting Courant photographer.

However, the contestants pleased the crowd by throwing sweets, while music, dancing and singing could be heard from the Mr Men and Swinging Sixties floats.

Among the walkers were mini Spain and Holland footballers, closely followed by shaven-headed World Cup referee Howard Webb and Paul the psychic octopus.

Live music got the crowds in a party spirit, as did the horns from the vintage vehicles making their way through the centre of the town.

As usual, the Cumberland and Westmorland Wrestling championships proved popular. The championship of the world at 12-stone level was at stake and was painstakingly won by Andrew Carlile, from Cumbria.

Also drawing in large crowds this year was the Megaminis stunt team, which thrilled the audience with an array of increasingly ambitious and breathtaking stunts.

The more faint-hearted, meanwhile, enjoyed a range of funfair rides, trade and craft stalls, vintage vehicles and refreshments.

Sunday’s event followed a week of entertainment, including a children’s disco, duck race, car treasure hunt, barbecue and prize bingo. The scarecrow competition was a runaway success, with around 70 entries, ranging from Wallace and Gromit to The Statue of Liberty.

The judges, however, deemed Milecastle’s Centurion the best.

Carnival chairman Michael Peacock thanked everyone involved.

First published at 09:37, Friday, 16 July 2010
Published by http://www.hexhamcourant.co.uk