THERE was a carnival atmosphere at Town Hall Square as the crowds awaited the arrival of the Olympic torch below a clear blue sky.
Thousands of union jack flag-waving spectators gathered behind barriers with a few enterprising souls gaining the best vantage points on the plinth of Stephen Broadbent’s statue. A couple of children stood atop a sturdy litter bin.
A band played old time tunes including Roll out the barrel from the top of the Town Hall steps while the royal giants looked on.
Ever present were the vehicles belonging to the sponsors including Coca Cola and Samsung reminding those gathered of the heavy commercial aspect to the modern games.
Grandma Gill Davies from Upton was with her daughter Gayle Harriman, from Ellesmere Port and Gayle’s children Ella, nine, and Josie, two.
Gill said: “I wanted to bring my grandchildren because I think it’s part of history and it will be a long time before it happens again. I wanted them to see it and be a part of the atmosphere.”
Matt and Helen Lockett, from Newton, went along with their daughters Hannah, four and two-and-a-half year-old Holly.
Helen, who knows a couple of people taking part in the Paralympics, said: “We’re here for the atmosphere. We wanted to be part of the experience and thought we would not experience it again.”
Asked if she was excited about the games, she added: “I’m looking forward to it all!”
Matt, who was in charge of the pushchair, said: “It’s for our girls more than anything.”
However, the Town Hall Square event was not without controversy after some members of the public complained a large group of Freemen of the City were ushered to the front at the last moment spoiling the view for their young children.
Mark Jones, who runs Joe’s Trading Place in Brook Street and organised the Brook Street carnival on Sunday, was with his wife and 11-year-old daughter. He said: “The dignitaries just waltzed in at the last minute and stopped every single kid watching it. It’s absolutely disgraceful.”
One spectator, who did not wish to be named, loved the event but booed when the Coca Cola and Samsung promotions trucks drove past complete with dancing boys and girls.
She said: “It’s something I have never drunk in my life and wouldn’t give to my children. Don’t get me wrong, I think it’s great the torch is here.”
“But the union flags had got Samsung on the back. It’s a shame when it seems to dominate the event.”
