1974
Bridgend Carnival
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On
a very wet weekend early in September 1974 the Bridgend Carnival &
Steam Fayre was held. In atrocious weather
conditions the carnival parade commenced at the Police Headquarters in
Cowbridge Road, and after completing two circuits of the town via Caroline
Street, Dunraven Place, Market Street and Derwen Road, proceeded via Newbridge
(recently demolished) and then along Angel Street to Newbridge Fields.
The procession was so long that the front of the parade caught up with
the rear of the carnival on its circuit around the town. The carnival
was held on the Saturday, but the Steam
Fayre was held over the two days. In this selection of photos can
be seen many businesses and buildings which are no longer in existence.
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| Pictured
in Cowbridge Road near the start of the Parade, Fowler Showman's Engine
"Supreme" leads the procession through the town terminating at
Newbridge Fields. |
Included
because of the building works on the right for the Rhiw Arcade, this photo
shows a group of employee's children representing the Barry GPO. |
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| With
the torrential rain glistening on the road, one of the marching bands descends
the gentle slope of Caroline Street. |
"Supreme"
in Caroline Street passing Stokes & Sons, at that time the second oldest
established retail business in the town centre. |
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| At
the lower end of Caroline Street "Supreme" leads one the children's
marching "jazz" bands, which were very popular at that time. |
A
lorry dressed up as a whale! |
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| "Supreme"
leading the parade through Dunraven Place. The banner over the road advertising
the weekend's event. |
A
carnival group of US Cavalry and American Indians wait while some of the
traffic clears. |
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| The
Cavalry & Indians group passes in front of "London House"
and "Shufflebothams". |
A
close-up view of some of the Cavalry & Indians. Are you on this photo? |
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| The
End and the Beginning |
In
the picture on the right, "Supreme", leading the parade, passes
along Angel Street. The space behind the bushes on the left is where Bridgend
County Borough Council Offices now stands. |
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