Hundreds join the Mardi Gras fun toparade fabulousarray of umbrellas

Hastings Fat Tuesday music festival, the UK's largest Mardi Gras celebration drew hundreds of people of all ages, keen to enjoy the carnival atmosphere which included the ever popular Umbrella Parade.
Fat Tuesday's Umbrella Parade. Photo by Frank Copper. SUS-181202-074030001Fat Tuesday's Umbrella Parade. Photo by Frank Copper. SUS-181202-074030001
Fat Tuesday's Umbrella Parade. Photo by Frank Copper. SUS-181202-074030001

An explosion of colour, music and fun for all the family, the Umbrella Parade is a firm Hastings Fat Tuesday favourite, and all that’s needed to take part is a decorated umbrella.

The parade, held on Sunday, February 11, set off from The Stade at 12noon and made it’s way to St Mary in the Castle.

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It featured a host of second line brass bands adding a New Orleans flavour, including the Bollywood Brass Band (twice nominated for Songlines World Music Awards) and Mr Wilson’s Second Liners with their New Orleans take on ‘90s club classics, along with the irrepressible Dr Savage.

Fat Tuesday's Umbrella Parade. Photo by Frank Copper. SUS-181202-074616001Fat Tuesday's Umbrella Parade. Photo by Frank Copper. SUS-181202-074616001
Fat Tuesday's Umbrella Parade. Photo by Frank Copper. SUS-181202-074616001

Leading the parade in their finery was the newly crowned Mardi Gras Monarchy.

Organiser of the event, Bob Tipler says it was a fantastic day. “We were delighted with the turn out for the Parade this year,” he said.

“It included all ages from children to grandparents all dancing along smiling behind the bands!

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“The window of fine weather was so fortunate and helped make for a real a carnival spirit Hastings Style!”

Fat Tuesday's Umbrella Parade. Photo by Frank Copper. SUS-181202-072826001Fat Tuesday's Umbrella Parade. Photo by Frank Copper. SUS-181202-072826001
Fat Tuesday's Umbrella Parade. Photo by Frank Copper. SUS-181202-072826001

Visit: https://www.hastingsfattuesday.co.uk/whats-on/umbrella-parade

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