A GLASTONBURY-style carnival complete with rock bands and VIP guests will rack up more than £1,000 for community groups.
Ipswich band Derailed kept crowds on their feet with covers of the Foo Fighters, ACDC and Kings Of Leon while Colchester United’s Frankie Kent went head-to-head with youngsters on a shoot-out at Great Bentley Carnival.
It was a buzzing afternoon with performances from majorette troupes, Harwich Generation and the Tailwaggers Dog Show.
This year's theme - When I grow up - brought doctors, nurses, construction workers and police officers to the procession.
Committee secretary Suzanna Twyman said: “It was busier than I’ve seen it in the last couple of years.
“We had new visiting pre-schools from Great Bromley and Thorrington, and our silent auction raised over £1,000 on first count.
“The prizes were particularly popular this year - we had a yacht cruise for two from George Wright Farms and extras actor Mick Fryer-Kelsey donated a meet-and-greet.
“He’s been in three Harry Potter films and is currently filming Midsomer Murders.”
Twenty-eight prizes were awarded across ten categories including Best Decorated Float and Queen of Queens for the ultimate carnival court.
The money raised - likely to top £1,500 - will support five groups in the village: Great Bentley Methodist Adventurers, a parent and toddler group, Rainbows, Guides and Great Bentley Youth Football Team.
Suzanna said: "They all applied to be beneficiaries so as a result committed to running stalls and helping set up on the day.
"There's space for more - they tend to be children's groups within the parish - but we also make a donation to Clacton's Relay 4 Life and the Walking Wounded team in Little Clacton.
"I don't know one person who hasn't been touched by cancer in some way so it's a cause close to most people's hearts."
The committee thanked Robert Blake, the Friends of the Green and the community for their support of the carnival.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here