Today we are going to tell you about Carnival Parades and the many things that happen, some serious, some amusing and some downright crazy.

Picture the scene in Armentieres on the day prior to the big fete parade, the local police arrived in style and cordoned of one of the srteets to prevent traffic access. In the distance could be heard the sound of an approaching band, all drums and bugles. Nearer and nearer came the sound, the police stood around all happy in the knowledge that they had done their duty. The band appeared and proceeded along another street, not the one intended.Oh dear!

Here in England there was a similar gaffe (posh word for 'cock up') at a local carnival, I won't say which one. No one appeared to be certain of the exact route, yes you've guessed it the leading vehicle went straight ahead and the leading band,some distance back, turned left.

It is recognised that on a parade route, while the parade is in progress, traffic lights don't count,in order that the parade can proceed without delay. On this particular day, after helping with marshaling I took up the position of 'tail end Charlie' just in front of the Police vehicle at the end of the parade. The band struck up, the parade moved off and all went well for about 200 yards, then a set of traffic lights turned red. A vehicle about 3 places in front of me stopped at the lights, and seizing their opportunity 6 cars waiting in the side road turned left and joined the parade. Well the Bobby at the back flew out of his motor and released a tirade of comments in some obscure dialect, I think it was what my grandmother used to call 'mill talk'. A rough translation would be 'I say old chap would you mind not being such a silly billy', or perhaps not.