Swine flu did not dampen spirits at Enfield Carnival

Families filled Durants Park, in Hertford Road, for a funfair after a parade wound its way from Turkey Street down Hertford Road from 2pm.

As well as being a riot of colour and a chance for young marionettists, cheerleaders and guides to show off their talents, Enfield Carnival also fundraises all year round to help people with disabilities, and relies solely on public donations.

Of the 19 entries in the parade, the overall winner went to the float from Hoddensden and Broxbourne, while prizes were awarded to Enfield Youth Football Club, Tina McGraw for her river costume, Enfield Blaze Allstar cheerleaders and the Bright Star Majorettes.

Vintage vehicles also joined the parade, including a fire engine from the Whitewebbs Museum of Transport.

In total 16 prizes were given out which meant most people went home with something.

Deputy carnival queen Ruth Murray, 22, a chef at Clay Hill House care home, had to fill the shoes of Emma Hawkins who is at home with suspected swine flu.

She said: “I’m glad we have had the response we have and thank everyone for coming. We raised money for equipment for a special school last year and hope to do the same this year.”

The afternoon in the park was followed with a dance at the Enfield Rangers Football Club, in Carterhatch Lane.

John Ashton, chairman of Enfield Carnival, said: “I was well pleased, as last year we had seven floats. When we went to the dance, the chairman of the National Carnival Guild of Great Britain couldn’t praise us enough. He said it was the happiest, most fun carnival he has ever been to in his life and he said he had never seen a spread like it.”

Enfield Mayor Eleftherios Savva, the president of Enfield Carnival Association, became part of the parade when he stepped onto a float and was there to meet the public and urge them to donate money to the cause.

The borough's 120th carnival will be held on August 14 next year. Anyone who wants to participate should call Mr Ashton on 07850 075 355.