Home

Christmas spirit fills the air as floats wow pageant crowd

Albany Advertiser
Oceans Church was out in full force.
Camera IconOceans Church was out in full force. Credit: Laurie Benson

Adorable dogs, selfless volunteers, rock ‘n’ roll dancers and a jolly fat man — the Albany Christmas pageant had a float for everyone as York Street brimmed with festive spirit.

But there could only be one winner — and 2018 champions Oceans Church made the judges’ jobs easy with another spectacular effort.

More than 5000 people lined the street on Saturday evening as the weather cleared at the right time for the climax of the 2019 Albany Christmas Festival and Pageant.

The Oceans Church float had live music, a makeshift boat, Three Wise Men on camelback and a giant hand of God holding a custom-made Earth.

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW

Some entries showed little regard for the pageant’s theme of “white”, choosing instead to dazzle the crowds with an array of Christmas colours.

Father Christmas made his regular appearance.
Camera IconFather Christmas made his regular appearance. Credit: Laurie Benson

In the case of the Albany Pride float, which finished equal third, it was all the colours of the rainbow.

Runner-up was Albany Community Hospice, which nailed the theme with white angels and the glitter of gold.

For the youngest members of the crowd, the last float was always going to be a winner.

Once all the community entries had made their appearance, Father Christmas arrived on a sleigh.

Cries of “Santa” could be heard as the man of the moment disappeared down York Street.

Some of the floats carried Christian messages, while others just focused on fun. But they were all in the spirit of Christmas.

See Thursday’s Advertiser for a full spread of photos from the pageant.

Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.

Sign up for our emails