Horror as car ploughs into Burnhams Flower Show and Carnival tent
What should have been one of the most successful Burnhams Flower Show and Carnival in recent years was devastated by a runaway car.
The vehicle careered into the main show marquee, demolishing some exhibits on Saturday morning.
Two people were treated at the scene by paramedics, though no-one is thought to have been seriously injured in the crash.
Show secretary Diana Black said: “The judging for the competitions was happening in the tent and then, basically, someone in a car just drove right through the marquee.”
Exhibits were destroyed and the marquee had to be closed until the company that erected it could assess the damage.
Mrs Black said the car ploughed through tables and displays and was only stopped by the final wall of the marquee and the stage.
Despite the lack of rain she said there were ‘beautiful and fantastic displays with masses of colourful flowers’ that no-one was allowed to see.
She added: “It did look absolutely stunning. Probably the best entry for years and now it has all been spoilt.”
The judging had been completed before the crash happened, apart from the children’s section, including cookery and handicrafts.
These entries are to be taken back to the school where they will be judged for the marquee remained closed until repairs had been carried out.
However, the tent was re-opened for an evening event, Music in the Marquee, and a second musical event, The Burnham Sessions, to take place on Sunday afternoon.
Carnival entries were slightly up with fancy dress and float contestants following the Phoenix Pipes and Drums band from Watton through the Market Place and around the village to the playing field.
The main arena featured the band, a martial arts display, another by East Anglian Working Newfoundland dogs, music from a ukulele band - the Fakenham Ukes - and children’s races.
There was also a display of classic veteran pre-war Morgan three-wheeler cars and the attraction of the annual visit of a funfair.
Mrs Black said: “We were grateful that people still came and supported us and enjoyed it.”
