Floats on track for a great festive day out

The main summer event takes place on Saturday afternoon with thousands expected to line the streets to watch the noisy and colourful procession go by.

Although the High Street bridge finally reopened on Sunday after a six-month closure, the route will this year begin from Biggleswade Train Station.

Despite initial concerns over a lack of parade entries there will now be nearly a dozen vehicles involved together with a host of dressed walkers.

A carnival spokesman said: “We couldn’t be sure the bridge would be open, and able to take a procession, in time so we took the decision to switch the route a month ago. It’s not a decision you can change at the last minute.

“However we are delighted the bridge is open as that will certainly ease traffic on the day and hopefully encourage more people to come and enjoy the procession.

“We are delighted by the response we’ve had in recent weeks and there are now a number of floats in the parade. It’s all systems go.”

Events through carnival week have been well attended, with even the Quiz Night being a success despite clashing with England’s crunch Euro 2016 game on Monday.

The duck race on the River Ivel on Sunday was blessed with dry weather and there was enough demand for five races this year, up on previous summers.

Carnival floats are asked to gather at the station from 12noon with judging taking place at around 1pm. The procession will leave shortly after 2pm and will be in the Market Square, soon afterwards.

The parade then follows the traditional route via Shortmead Street, Sun Street, Potton Road, Drove Road and Elm Road before finishing at Biggleswade Academy in Mead End.

Walkers will be rattling buckets along the route and asking for your spare change - please give generously as all proceeds go to local worthy causes.

Biggleswade Carnival concludes on Sunday with the Children’s Disco and Grand Draw at the Biggleswade Social Club in Church Street. The disco runs from 3pm to 5pm.