Carnival day

The Haltwhistle carnival parade went off with a bang (from the cannon on board the Pirates of the Caribbean themed float). Spectacular effort by everyone as always - but this was my favourite by far. They even had a small child dressed as Jack the monkey and a parrot sitting atop the ships mast.

After the jazz band and parade, everyone grabs a quick drink, then sees the parade complete it's lap and head down to the field for the costume competition. Meanwhile stalls and fairground rides have been setting up and the hot dog stands are fired up. A tour of the field to see old cars, lots of dogs, Cumberland wrestling, fudge and hook-a-duck, and to bump into everyone Dave and his family knows, before heading back to the house for a BBQ. Lots of food, a snooze, then ready and back out for drinks at the local. I tell ya, it's a happening day is carnival day.

I love that there's a real sense of community spirit and everyones up for a good laugh. We'll be back next year.