2000
Ampthill Festival's Gala day took place
on Sunday, 25th June 2001 in Ampthill Park. The Festivities were
preceded by a procession of floats, which began from Station Road
at 1 p.m. and progressed around the streets of the town, before
arriving in the Park, at just before 2 p.m. The winning float was
adjudged to be the entry by the Ladybird Playgroup of Chandos
Road, Ampthill, which was adorned with the children's imaginative
designs (see picture below). Other entries in the parade included
entries by Russell Lower School, the Firs Lower School, Ampthill
Town Band and the Royal Navy (see picture below). In addition the
parade was led on foot by the Romford Drum & Trumpet Corps,
with the Festival Queen's (pictured to the left with the Town
Mayor, John Wilson) on their float.
Events in Ampthill Park commenced with the arrival of the Floats at 2 p.m. Then the crowds, numbering several thousand were entertained by Circus Minimus, a Falconry Display (see picture above), the Romford Drum & Trumpet Corps, plus Bedfordshire Youth Theatre performing excerpts from 'The Epic of Gilgamesh' (as performed in the Millennium Dome earlier this year - see picture below). In addition the crowds were entertained by the presence of N.T.L and 3 Counties Radio, with numerous side stalls scattered about the site (such as the Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow Trust stall pictured below). The presentation of prizes was conducted by our local M.P. Jonathan Sayeed.
The Gala Day was the culmination of 2 weeks of activities throughout the town, comprising a General Knowledge Quiz (19 teams participated), a Pop Quiz, a Pet Show, a Ampthill History Forum walk to Houghton House, the Kings Arms Path Gardens open day, a wine tasting, a treasure hunt and performances by Ampthill & Flitwick Dramatic Society.
The Pictures on this page were taken by Mark Smith & Andy Timms (of Oliver Street, Ampthill)
View details of Ampthill Festival 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
Contact e-mail:info@ampthill.org.uk
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