PARADE KICKS OFF CHESTNUT SUNDAY CELEBRATIONS
Watch the video of the band on Chestnut Avenue here IMG_9266
Hundreds of families made their way to Bushy Park today in scorching sunshine setting up camp for picnics and watching the Chestnut Sunday parade set off from Teddington Gate.
Crowds lined both sides of the famous Chestnut Avenue clapping and cheering as the procession made its way through the park led by three police horses.
The parade included groups representing Teddington’s famous Park Lane Stables, the Horse Rangers, Companion Cycling, Penny Farthing cyclists and a local dance class as well as a convoy of vintage military vehicles accompanied by the Surbiton marching band.
There were also from the Yeomanry Concert Band and the Rock Choir.
The Mayor of Richmond Richard Pyne and his wife Helen also attended as part of the parade procession in a chauffeur driven car.
He later told the thousands of visitors how he was delighted to attend the event, which had not been held properly since pre COVID in 2019 but dated back to over 300 years.
The eagerly awaited revival of the traditional event was organised by The Royal Parks and the Friends of Bushy and Home Parks was supported by scores of local volunteers.
Long queues formed for ice creams as temperatures reached 24 degrees and children eagerly waited in line to meet the ponies from Park Lane Stables.
It is estimated that up to 8000 people visited the park over the day and one of the most popular exhibits was the parade of historic military vehicles which had supported military operations over the years including Northern Ireland.