Video & pictures: Peterborough Festival opening weekend
Tens of thousands of people descended in the city on Saturday to mark the start of an action packed two-week showtime bonanza that is the Peterborough Festival.
Tens of thousands of people descended in the city on Saturday to mark the start of an action packed two-week showtime bonanza that is the Peterborough Festival.And hundreds of people lined the city's streets as festivities got under way with the traditional Mayor's Parade.
Mayor of Peterborough councillor Irene Walsh and chief executive of Peterborough City Council Gillian Beasley were escorted down to Central Park in a horse-drawn carriage, followed by thousands of people, with community groups, schools and charities donning movie-themed costumes.
From Hollywood to Bollywood, there was everything from James Bond and Superman to pirates and Darth Vader as the beautifully decorated floats made their way to Central Park.
Visitors flooded through the gates with picnics and deckchairs in tow as they set up camp for the day and sampled some of the delights on offer including Bhangra Beat and performances from The Brays, The One Eyed Cats and Steve Hession's Big Swing Band.
Photo gallery of ET photos from the Mayor's Parade and opening day of the festival
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Cllr Walsh said: "I thought the parade was absolutely brilliant, and I was amazed at the turnout of people at Central Park.
"It was great to see so many young children and families enjoying themselves and taking part in the festivities.
"After the Mayor's Parade, I spent some time in Central Park and then returned later in the evening to hear some of the music.
"It really was a great start to the Peterborough Festival, and there is still so much more to come over the next few weeks. I hope the momentum is keeps up."
Violet Neal (80), of Cathedral Precincts, took time away from her gardening to watch the parade through the city.
She said: "I come and watch every year, and it was as good as it has always been.
"It is great to see young and old people all together and all dressed up.
"Events like this bring life into our city."
Jessica Bristow (14), from Farcet, near Peterborough, and her friends spent the day at Central Park listening to the bands and taking part in activities.
She said: "We started off watching the parade and then followed it down to Central Park where all the floats were.
"We are really lucky to have such a big event as this in Peterborough. There is something for all ages."
And Terrence Browning (79), of Bourges Boulevard, Peterborough, added: "I thought it was a shame all of the floats didn't ride through Cathedral Square, but I took a trip down to see them in the afternoon.
"Peterborough Festival is always an excellent event and I hope it remains that way this year.".
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Weather for Peterborough
Wednesday 17 March 2010
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 2 C - 8 C
Wind Speed: 14 Knots
Wind direction: North west
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Sunny spells
Temperature: 2 C - 10 C
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