11:37am Sunday 5th July 2009
By Kevin Bradford
A WAVE of carnival colour swept through Hornsey yesterday with hundreds of people turning out to enjoy the celebrations.
The streets were awash with music, dance and decorations as the parade wound its way on a circular route from Alexandra Palace.
People young and old lined the pavements to cheer the procession along, creating a thrilling spectacle on a beautifully warm and sunny day.
Majorettes led out the convoy of almost 30 vehicles and hundreds of performers, while police paused traffic and sealed off roads in the area.
The eye-catching floats, themed with wonderfully bright designs, followed each other for more than an hour, taking a small break in Christchurch Road before heading down Crouch End Broadway.
Gordon Rathbone, chairman of the carnival committee, which has been running since 1907, said: “It is something that brings a great community atmosphere to the whole area.
“We always get a wonderful response from the public and those taking part really enjoy the parade.”
Charities including Hornsey-based Action for kids, which works with disabled children, the Multiple Sclerosis Society and the British Royal Legion, also adorned vehicles with balloons and pictures to raise money for their causes.
Haringey schools celebrated with fêtes and pubs organised special carnival day events.
Carnival queens from as far as Essex and Kent donned their regal attire and paraded around in their personalised cortèges.
Hornsey queen for the day, 14-year-old Elizabeth Bowers, said she was really excited by her royal engagement.
The Highgate Wood School pupil, who wore a long white dress and tiara, said: “My sister was in the carnival a few years ago and she said it was really good so I wanted to get involved.
“I had to go to an audition where they asked me about the carnival and why I wanted to be queen, and now it's really great to be here.
“It is great to go out and meet other people and see everybody in the streets, as well as raising money for charity.”
The Mayor of Haringey, Councillor Bernice Vanier, joined other councillors, politicians, and community leaders in the procession, which set off at 2.30pm.
Joe Browne, who was volunteering at the carnival, said the whole experience of the day was crucial to bring the community closer together.
He said: “Carnivals can be an ispiration, and the children love it.
“These parades are important, and they have a special place in everyone's hearts.
“They should be supported because they are very diverse and this helps unite the community whilst raising the awareness of youth groups, community projects and charities that wouldn't be known about otherwise.
“It gives people the chance to be exhibitionists for the day and create a beautifully captivating scene.”
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