Published: Tuesday, 27th May, 2008 12:19pm

Carnival atmosphere despite the weather

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SUMMER was nowhere in sight, but the Carnival spirit prevailed.

West Reading got a taste of the Caribbean as the 31st Community Carnival wound its way through the streets and back to Prospect Park today (Sunday).

A Royal Berkshire fire engine led the procession, decked out with flags and accompanied by some of the county's Young Firefighters.

Dancers and DJs followed behind on float after float, with hundreds huddled under their umbrellas watching the Carnival inch along Tilehurst Road, down Russell Street, and then back towards Prospect Park along Oxford Road and Grovelands Road.

Denise Dedier came with more than 100 friends from London to take part in the Carnival, dressed as the Pirates of the Caribbean.

They are part of a group called Funtyme, and Denise said: "We come every year to take part and get in the Carnival spirit, rain or shine. We're just here to represent, it's a shame about the weather but that just won't stop us enjoying ourselves."

Also in the procession were youth group dancers Diverzion and Culture Vibez, and community groups like Reading's Grenada Association and the Barbados And Friends Association.

For pictures and a full report, see Thursday's Chronicle.

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