Fantastic! Brilliant! Awful! Readers have their say on the Spalding Flower Parade

Thousands flocked to enjoy this weekend’s Spalding Flower Parade - each leaving with their own take on the event.

While many revellers took to the LincsOnline and Lincolnshire Free Press social media pages to congratulate the organisers and stars of the show, some were not impressed with what they saw.

Readers also highlighted a few things they would like to see added to the parade in future years.

But the overriding feeling was that the public were overjoyed with another successful event.

“A fantastic parade and great day well done to all,” said Karen Corbett, while Julia Dunkley labelled it a ‘fab day’.

Sylvia Davies said she ‘absolutely loved it’ and praised the ‘great, friendly atmosphere’.

Lorraine Evans said she ‘enjoyed every minute, even the two cars being pushed by spectators because they ran out of steam’ while Pennie Killingsworth called for the ‘same again next year’.

“Congratulations to every person involved to make this happen to bring a bit of happiness and enjoyment to people even from afar,” said Bryan Peter, enjoying what he called a ‘brilliant’ day.

Theresa Higgins was impressed by what she saw, but felt there could have been more to entertain the crowds.

“What a fantastic show, the biggest parade I have ever seen,” she said.

“Well done Stephen (Timewell, organiser) and your team of volunteers.

“It was spectacular only two little gripes; nothing to entertain the crowds down Queens Road, children were beginning to get grouchy with waiting, and a few more marching bands would have been very welcome.

“The bands that were in it this year did play as they went by. Once again well done to everyone.”

Julian O'Donovan Rossa also had some thoughts on what they’d like to see introduced.

They included ‘putting the names and numbers of each float on front and rear so we know what we’re looking at’, a ‘running order that resembles what is listed on the website’ and a ‘better, clearer, high-res map of the route’.

Julian, who described the floats as ‘brilliant’ also suggested: “Updates of where they are on the route. A bloke with a loud hailer would do, but live screens in Hall Place showing the floats en-route would be even better. Two elderly ladies in front of us got bored after two hours of no news.”

Andy Kelk was more enamoured by the parade of days gone by, adding: “Good to see it back but nothing like it used to be.”

Adam Howard went a step further labelling the floats ‘awful’.

“I understand the issues with tulip heads but please, please everyone, stop kidding yourself - the general standard of floats is just not great,” he added.

However, Alice Linger offered some advice for those who weren’t keen on the event.

“If it’s not how you want it to be then donate some money or time to make it so. Recommend some ideas.

“I remember some of the old parades and it’s different. And that’s what it should be, a difference.

“It’s only been back a second year. And it was still amazing!”

There was also lots of praise for the volunteers who worked tirelessly to make the event a success.

“They have done such an amazing job, all selflessly volunteering there time to make this all happen,” said Giovanna Nina Grieco.

“Beautiful people with lovely big hearts. Thank you for being amazing.”

Catch up with all the Flower Parade coverage here.

Norma Barr said ‘well done everyone’ and Neri Zaccardelli added: “The volunteers are the real stars of this show!

“Well done to Stephen, his good lady and all the volunteers that made this happen.”

Steve Mason said: “Fab parade. Good to see a town thriving.”

However, there was no doubting that the parade has left a lasting impression on all.

“I can remember coming to see the parade as a youngster,” Snipsnaps wrote on Instagram.

“I moved to Spalding two-and-a-half years ago and I really like the town.

“Yesterday was the perfect example of what can be achieved to enhance the community for all.

“Great to hear the young lad in front of me say to his mum ‘I want to be part of this parade in the future’,

“Respect to everyone involved. Credit to all.”

What do you think? Let us know in the comments below…