mablethorpe.infoOn the last Saturday in July appreciative crowds thronged through Mablethorpe as the holiday season was launched in spectacular style. The outgoing Carnival Queen Chelsea Beech ~ whose reign, due to Covid, had stretched over two dramatic years ~ opened the High Street market, saying it was a declaration that our part of the coast was now newly opened for business and for entertainment. The market gave a much-needed boost to local businesses, while many charities, so long denied the chance to raise funds for good causes, were also given the opportunity to spread out their stalls. Through the day there were stunning turns from members of Russell’s Circus and there were dance displays from Mablethorpe’s Next Generation troupe.
Later, in the glittering setting of Social 22, the Mayor of Mablethorpe and Sutton, Cllr Carl Tebbutt, paid tribute to Chelsea, and she then performed her last duty: the coronation of the Carnival Queen of 2021, Imogen Newman. Imogen is a student at John Spendluffe College, and she will be assisted by Emily Rigarlsford who will be her maid of honour. Accompanied by five Princesses and a Carnival Prince, Imogen made her way to the Funfair where, from the site above the main pullover, the point used in the past for the Mablethorpe Switch On, she announced the theme of this year’s Carnival and its Parade that is planned to take place on Saturday 18th September. The theme will underline how many who are not able to travel to the continent are now enjoying themselves in our resort: “COSTA DEL MABLETHORPE”!
After the lights had begun coming on the length of the High Street and along the promenade, Imogen led the many family groups lining the seafront in a count-down to the Firework Display. This was staged by the national firework display champions, Selstar. Young and old were thrilled to witness an amazing artistic spectacle which employed a whole palette of colours to create a galaxy of patterns in the blue evening sky.
The day’s events were arranged by the Boatshed Charity’s Carnival working party, and they were financed by our coast’s Business Improvement District, VISIT LINCS COAST… which on the following weekend, August 7th and 8th, will be hosting the Vintage on Sea event due to take place in Sutton-on- Sea’s High Street and on its Furlongs playing fields.
I would express my thanks to the Team who staged this event with a degree of trepidation when so many events were being cancelled: But we had good advice from ELDC & the support of our Mayor & superb financial assistance from the BID …VISIT LINCS COAST BID. So heartened by all this we stuck to our resolve to put on the event. We were rewarded by seeing visitors & residents alike showing sense as they came together in such numbers, glad to be given the chance to celebrate again at the seaside in such style!
Cllr Adrian Benjamin