Flower Parade 2013
The last parade will take place on Saturday, May 4 and I urge everyone to come and line the route to support all those taking part and to get what will be the last photographs of the unique float structures that have helped make the Spalding Flower Parade such a worldwide success since it started in the 1950s.
Unfortunately, for the first time in its history, it looks as though there may be no tulip heads available to decorate the floats. As I am sure you are all aware, the late cold weather has meant that spring has been delayed and even daffodils are only just coming into full bloom.
However, the parade theme this year is Let’s Celebrate and all the floats will be ready to join the parade, even though they may be decorated in different ways, which will certainly make them even more worth seeing.
All those involved in planning this last parade and all the children and other participants want you to be there to cheer them on their way.
People’s Parade 2014
When it became obvious there would be no money available to support future flower parades from the district or county councils, the Chamber organised a meeting of current and prospective stakeholders with John Hayes, MP chairing it.
Chamber members were concerned that South Holland was losing the one great opportunity it has to showcase and celebrate the best of our area, with nothing planned to take its place.
It has now been agreed we should hold an open meeting at the South Holland Centre on Saturday, May 18 at 11am to share ideas about possible events to replace the flower parade.
Currently there is a proposal that we should organise a People’s Parade on a Sunday in July, with organisations and clubs creating their own floats – these could be as modest as a decorated wheel-barrow or a trailer with entertainers.
The event would give participants the chance to promote their organisation or club.
During the following week there could be various events organised such as jazz and folk evenings to fruit and veg mosaic and sculpture displays. The following weekend would be a food festival to showcase local products and producers. This could therefore become a week long South Holland Food, Flower and Arts Festival.
It is hoped that local organisations, clubs and churches will send representatives to the meeting and free tickets are available from the box office. Please get a ticket as the theatre has a maximum capacity. We are grateful to Coun Angela Newton for funding the cost of the theatre for this meeting which John Hayes will chair.
Bunting again!
Spalding town centre will be brightened again throughout the summer by festive bunting.
The bunting will go up in time for the flower parade and will stay up until mid-September. Hopefully this will make the town look bright and welcoming throughout the summer for both residents and visitors.