Words: JOANNE JARVIS Pictures: DANIEL WILSON THE sights and sounds of the 1950 s and 1960 s attracted about 10,000 visitors to Buntingford s 11th carnival on Saturday. The High Street was awash with colour and music from the era of rock n roll. There w

Words: JOANNE JARVISPictures: DANIEL WILSON THE sights and sounds of the 1950's and 1960's attracted about 10,000 visitors to Buntingford's 11th carnival on Saturday.

The High Street was awash with colour and music from the era of rock 'n' roll. There was a range of stalls, bands and entertainers, from Capricorn Majorettes to Bruce Airhead - a man with a 6ft balloon and a vacuum cleaner. Pete Baker's Hot and Crusty Jazzers, a Buddy Holly tribute and Dream Circle - a 1950s and 1960's band - lifted peoples' spirits.

Visitors had the opportunity to browse around 100 stalls ranging from cakes to bric-a-brac.

Marilyn Cantor, carnival committee member, said: "We were lucky with the weather and we had the most stalls we have ever had.

"We hoped the day would bring people in the town to promote the High Street and feedback has been excellent."

She said Bruce Airhead was fantastic. "His act was very unusual and took people by surprise.

"In addition, the rock bands brought the carnival to life and the jazz bands always put a smile on everyone's faces."

Mrs Cantor also commented on the procession.

"The children that took part were impeccably behaved, considering they had to stand around for a long time."

Stall-holders commented on the high-spirited atmosphere at the event.

Jane Wood, of Party Favourz, said: "It's such a lovely day. There has been a lot of interest from children. I'm pleased the sun is out and everyone is in a good mood. There is a lovely atmosphere."

Dorris Stobart and Valerie Sievert, of Buntingford WI, said: "We have had a good time. The selection of stalls was better than we expected."

The carnival committee were praised for organising yet another successful carnival day.

Buntingford town clerk Jill Jones said: "The carnival committee maintained its usual excellent standard and the town council is very appreciative for all their hard work because without them it probably wouldn't happen."

Mrs Cantor added: "Although we were a small committee, without the extra help from the marshals and all the other people, we wouldn't have been able to do it."

n The town twinning signing ceremony of the agreement between Buntingford and Olvega in Spain took place on Saturday morning. Those who were present included Cllr Jon Ling, chairman of the Olvega twinning committee, Buntingford's mayor, Cllr John Noades, the Mayor of Olvega, Gerardo Martinez and Maryonne Renversade, the deputy mayor of the French twin-town Luynes.

n Liz Wade, chairman of Buntingford Tennis Club, who raised a proposal to erect new tennis facilities in Buntingford held a stall at the carnival.

Some 350 people showed interest in becoming a club member if the facilities are erected at Edwinstree School in Bowling Green Lane.

It means that 75 per cent of the £100,000 project could now be funded with the remainder coming from local authorities and other organisations.

The project could include three floodlight courts, a kids zone and a clubhouse.

Mrs Wade, who is a licensed LTA tennis coach, said: "I have been quite confident there's a need for the facility in Buntingford.

"What happens next depends on planning permission and Lottery applications, which take 18 months to process.