WOMBLES, Ancient Britons and Romans were just a few of the colourful characters to be found in Lincoln High Street on June 22, 1974.

Thousands of shoppers lined the route in blazing sunshine to watch 33 colourful floats, representing many of the city's firms and organisations, took part in the Mayor's Carnival Parade.

Six bands provided the music for the afternoon's entertainment: 17/21 Lancers, Waddington Pipe Band, Lincoln Drum Band, Salvation Army, Newark Town Band and the Lincoln Lions Club Jazz Band.

Organised by the St John Ambulance, all the proceeds from the Carnival would go towards swelling their much-needed funds.

After leaving South Common the procession slowly weaved its way along High Street through the pedestrian precinct along Guildhall Street and Newland to the Brayford.

Before the floats left South Common they were judged by the Mayor of Lincoln, Councillor Tom Ward, Group Capt. R. Pelrse from RAF Waddington, and Miss Diana Dickson, the St John Ambulance County Deputy President.

The winners were – Commercial: Equal 1, Jointine Products, North Hykeham (Theme, Lincoln through the Ages) and St Catherines Guest House (Hospitality); 2, Ruston Apprentices (Locomotion through the Ages); 3, AEI Employees Association (Roman Lincoln).

The theme was "Our Heritage," and the standard of entries was excellent, they certainly impressed the judges.

It was the first time St John's Ambulance had organised the parade and they imported other members from all over the county to help with the 400 collecting box that lined the route.

On their way along the route, the floats passed St Mark's where they were greeted by the Lincoln civic party; Mr Nicolas Playne, chairman of the St. John Council; Capt. P.H.E. Welby-Everard, County Commander, and Mr. Laurence Byford, Chief Constable of Lincolnshire.

The decorated floats included a City Council Cleansing Department vehicle disguised as a whale and accompanied by Scouts and Cubs from the 12th Lincoln (City School) Troop with anti-litter posters and some very attractive Wombles.

There were the Keep-Fit ladies with stick-on beards and fur as Ancient Britons, Lincoln Rugby Club, who were just enjoying themselves, and lots of vintage vehicles, carnival funsters and Fire, Ambulance and Police vehicles.

As well as the parade, there was a shop window display in High Street depicting the Brigade's history.