A small group of representatives from Wellington Majorettes has just returned from a 5-day trip to Wellington’s twin town, Torres Vedras in Portugal for the annual Carnival. This is the third time the group has represented the town by playing their drums and glockenspiels in the event.
Louise Brierley, Leader of Wellington Majorettes’ spokesperson, said “The team from Wellington is always welcomed and very well looked after by Torres Vedras Town Council, the Twinning Association and the Fire Brigade – to name a few.
“Torres Vedras welcomes over 350,000 people into their small town to celebrate Carnival Week and everyone gets involved – even if just by wearing a funny hat, wig or scarf or dancing behind the ‘Party Bus’.
“There’s always a theme for the Carnival and this year’s was ‘Oceans’. There were numerous mermaids, lifeguards, sailors, sea animals – and pirates from Wellington!
“The ‘Pirates from Wellington’ theme teamed up perfectly with our three friends representing Somerset Carnivals. Nigel from A&A Carnival Club, who entered Wellington Carnival with his amazing train as ‘Pablo’s Circus’, made a large pirate’s skull which lit up. His colleagues, Ashley Guise from Mendip Vale Carnival Club who many will have seen on the Guy Fawkes’ circuit and James Nelson from Harlequin CC, seen in Wellington last year dancing through our High Street as the entrant, BEAUTIFUL CREATURES, dressed as pirates too.
“The team took part in five carnivals during the week – the first taking place on Friday morning alongside 8000 children from all the schools in the county.”
Louise added, “The trip was made extra special this year as the team met up with the Portuguese School Band which took part in our Carnival last year and the French Majorettes who took part in our Carnival in 2016. They will be visiting in August – and we were also introduced to a Samba Band from France. We hope that they will all return to Wellington to take part in our Carnival, if not this year, then next.”
Robyn Odgers, member of Wellington Majorettes said, “I’ve taken part in Torres Vedras Carnival for the last 3 years. It’s such a great experience for us and so different to anything that we get involved in here in the UK. It really takes us out of our comfort zone – and I love it!”
The same team plans to return in 2019 and are already encouraging other members to join them for this fantastic experience.
Anyone interested in joining or booking Wellington Majorettes should contact Louise on 07796933064 or by e-mailing wellingtonmajorettes@outlook.com