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Video: the Herne Bay
festival gets off to a sizzling start

by Joe Walker

Herne Bay Festival kicked off in
style at the weekend with thousands turning out to enjoy the
fun-filled atmosphere.

The seafront was bustling
throughout the opening day on Saturday, with dance acts, trapeze
artists, motorbike stunt displays and strong woman Betty Brawn
among those providing the entertainment.

Hundreds also gathered in Mortimer Street and
William Street to catch a glimpse of the classic motor show, with
KITT from Knightrider proving the star turn.

The crowds grew as the fun
continued throughout the night, with visitors wowed by a dazzling
pyrotechnic show and a colourful parade led by a toe-tapping Samba
band.

And it got better, as the day ended
in spectacular style with a mesmerising fireworks display lighting
up the waterfront near Neptunes Arm.

With the nine-day spectacle well and truly underway,
festival favourites like the crab catching competition proved also
proved as popular as ever.

Six-year-old Charlie Turner, of
Collard Close, Herne Bay, landed the biggest catch of the day with
a 0.190lbs whopper.

Town boss Chris West said he was
impressed with the festival launch.

He said: "I was amazed to see Herne
Bay come alive at the weekend, with thousands of visitors and
locals descending on the town for the festival.

"Even though the weather was
inclement, it did not put people off and Saturday finished with an
amazing firework display - one of the best ever seen in the
town."

See more coverage and photos in this week's Herne Bay
Gazette, out Thursday.