Chester’s first Mardi Gras party on Watergate Street proves a record success

Sep 10 2009 by Mark Dowling, Chester Chronicle

REVELLERS got into the party spirit and ensured a city street’s first Mardi Gras festival was a success.

Seven Watergate Street venues – Amber Lounge, Bar Lounge, Watergates, Moules a Go-Go, The Victoria, D’Meltin’ Pot and Fiesta Havana – joined forces to provide visitors with a carnival atmosphere.

And Amber Lounge manager Stewart Wimbleton, who came up with the Mardi Gras idea, was delighted.

He said: “It was a superb record day for everyone. It was really busy during the daytime as well as at night, and several venues reported better takings than they do for race day meetings.

“There was a little rain but it didn’t dampen our spirits, the day couldn’t really have gone any better.

“The local police said the day was totally trouble-free.

“We are hoping to make next year’s event bigger and better, with a proper street party.”

The Mardi Gras attracted families during the day with food offers and barbecues, before stilt walkers and fire eaters performed during the night, giving out coloured beads which customers could redeem at participating bars for complimentary drinks.