Features and Reviews
Parading
in the Port
Brixham
Christmas Parade just avoided the heavy wintry showers of
late, as they dried up just in time to see floats and costumed
characters head round the town on Saturday 5th December at
4.30pm.
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| As participants gathered at Freshwater Cove and
Oxen Cove, the rain looked like it might be necessary to call
a halt to this year's proceedings, as those involved got a soaking
just waiting to join this year's procession. |
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| Nevertheless whilst those waiting were wondering
if anyone would turn out to watch, minutes before the Okehampton
Band set off, people were hurriedly lining the streets and last
minute phone messages were sent calling people to come down to
the parade, having checked out that it was still going ahead.
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| The Newton Abbot Town Crier and The Okehampton Band
and led the procession with Christmas carols setting the scene
for the three Nativity scenes including Mary and Joseph in the
stable, with poor Shepherds and Herald Angels all around, followed
by Mary and Joseph walking carrying the Saviour King as he was
presented with the gifts from the three worshiping Magi kings.
Polo the Donkey accompanied Mary and Joseph and a float with three
more Magi Kings and their camels followed on, in their search
to find Jesus. |
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| From Bethlehem over 2000 years ago to the most up
to date technology, the Parade presented the onlookers with images
of Pirates,(including Brixham Buccaneers), a spaceman, a Dr Who
Dalek, Caribbean Carnival Characters, Samba Jam and a variety
of fantasy worlds on floats, such as the Wizard of Oz and Arabian
Nights. |
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| In a special workshop by Create Workshops back in
November, a Foxes Biscuit Tin Band was put together with costumes
made and instruments assembled. In the Parade members wore soldier
like costumes and played their drums made out of biscuit tins. |
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| Father Christmas was also keen to join the Parade
pulled by two dashing reindeers, meanwhile Bramble the dog pulled
another much smaller sleigh and presents, around the route. |
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| With members of the Heritage Battery turning out
to escort a huge Second World War truck, Brixham All Stars Majorettes
danced their way around the circuit which this year went once
around the town starting and ending at Oxen and Freshwater Cove.
All Parade entrants were then treated to food and drinks, with
a chance to enjoy music by John Kimble and friends, and were given
the opportunity to meet Father Christmas. |
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| Many people and traders in Fore St watched from
the shop fronts, with people also lining the harbour where there
was the Art & Crafts Market under the Old Fish Quay. Other
stalls there offered winter fayre in the form of hot chestnuts
and hot Christmas Puddings, whilst Pacos Samba Band created a
loud rhythmic beat and Brixham's own Sea Food Paella was on sale
for the more adventurous palette. |
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| Organisers of this year's Parade, Pride in Brixham,
were pleased to see the rain dry up just as the Parade started
and people out on the streets enjoying the spectacle. Mary Thompson
Chairman of Pride in Brixham said,” Thank you so much to everyone
who turned out in the adverse weather conditions, especially those
who had travelled large distances such as Dawlish and Watchet
and Bovey Tracey. |
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| Also a big thank you to everyone who helped to organise
or contributed donations to make the day possible. Despite the
weather throughout the day and evening there was a terrific community
spirit and everyone seemed to enjoy the event in spite of getting
wet!” |
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Features
and Reviews 
