Popular Easter spectacle returns with 132nd parade

The historic and popular London Harness Horse Parade will once again be taking place at the South of England Centre in Ardingly '“ its 132nd event.
The popular event takes place on Easter Monday (April 17)The popular event takes place on Easter Monday (April 17)
The popular event takes place on Easter Monday (April 17)

The annual event, which takes place on Easter Monday (April 17), is an amalgamation of The London Cart Horse Parade, which first started in 1885, and the London Van Horse Parade, which started in 1904 and depicts transportation through the ages.

This makes it one of the oldest and most well-loved carriage driving events in the country.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Generations of carriage-driving families make the annual Easter pilgrimage to the parade and the current president, WA Gilbey, is a direct descendant of the founder of the London Cart Horse Parade, sir Walter Gilbey Bart.

Generations of carriage-driving families make the annual Easter pilgrimage to the paradeGenerations of carriage-driving families make the annual Easter pilgrimage to the parade
Generations of carriage-driving families make the annual Easter pilgrimage to the parade

Jackie Shearman, the parade secretary, said: “With Easter being a little later this year everyone is looking forward to a wonderful warm day out in the Sussex countryside.

“Enquiries and entries are coming in strongly now and we look set to have over a hundred fine carriages, carts and vehicles in the 132nd annual parade with a good cross-section of transport through the ages to entertain the spectators this Easter Monday.

“I urge anyone who hasn’t taken part before or hasn’t joined us for a few years to support us this year and see just how much the parade has expanded whilst still retaining the same family traditions from years gone by.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The London Harness Horse Parade has been a popular Easter spectacle for decades.

Generations of carriage-driving families make the annual Easter pilgrimage to the paradeGenerations of carriage-driving families make the annual Easter pilgrimage to the parade
Generations of carriage-driving families make the annual Easter pilgrimage to the parade

Twelve years ago it moved from its central London location to the spacious, purpose-built centre in Selsfiled Road.

The parade has since been expanded to include a display of the earliest motor cars to enhance the spectacle of how transport developed over the ages.

In addition to the 100 plus horse drawn vehicles, the parade will include vintage tractors, historic and classic cars, allowing spectators to experience the changes from horse drawn transport to mechanically propelled vehicles.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The parade will start at 10.30am. The gates open at 8.30am for spectators to watch the exhibits being prepared and to admire the historic and classic cars in attendance.

People can also visit the trade stands to do some Easter shopping, as well as enjoy the refreshments on offer.

The main parade and presentation of prizes will take place following completion of judging and inspections later in the morning.

Tickets cost £8 per adult with children and parking is free.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1) Make our website your homepage

2) Like our Facebook page

3) Follow us on Twitter

4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!

Always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.

Related topics: