The 25 floats which had competed in Thursday afternoon’s Battle had all been transformed with thousands of colourful lights, and as darkness fell on Friday they went on parade for a second time.
Don’t miss our eight pages of Moonlight Parade photographs inside Monday’s JEP
Now in its 26th year, the Moonlight Parade traditionally has more of a party atmosphere, and this year’s event was no different – with dancers, float builders and spectators alike all letting their hair down.
For a second day running the old adage that ‘it never rains on the Battle’ proved true, as despite heavy downpours all day on Friday, carnival-goers were graced with a dry Moonlight Parade.
‘All of the floats were lit up very well and the parade had a great atmosphere,’ said event director Jackie Donald.
‘We were so lucky with the weather and I don’t believe the conditions had any overall impact on the crowd’s enjoyment of the evening.
‘Overall both parades were very well received and the feedback we have received has been very positive.’
The event was once again led by Miss Battle, Chantelle Mundy, and Mr Battle, Craig Phillips. And in a break from tradition, this year’s Moonlight Parade concluded with a laser show over Victoria Avenue, rather than the traditional firework display.
Meanwhile, the evening saw another hat-trick of wins for the Optimists Club, who, fresh from winning the Prix d’Honneur – the JEP award for the top float – at Thursday’s daytime Battle, for a fourth consecutive year, went on to claim more prizes on Friday for both their senior and junior float illuminations.
- Best Illuminated Float (over 25 ft) The Optimists Club: The Eye of the Tiger
- Best Illuminated Float (under 25 ft) The Optimists Club Juniors: The Jolly Roger
- Moonlight Carnival Atmosphere Award (over 25 ft) The Parish of Trinity: Tequilla
- Moonlight Carnival Atmosphere Award (under 25 ft) Adrian and Friends Juniors: Watch Out Scrappy
- The Spectators Award (voted for by text message after Thursdays parade and announced at the Moonlight Parade) The Optimists Club: The Eye of the Tiger
Moonlight Parade judges: Isabella Lewis and a representative from the Bridgewater Carnival
