A big thank you to those who spectated or took part in this year’s Panto Horse Derby Day which was our 3rd annual competition, also to the Rotary clubs in Colchester who helped out at the event, providing marshalling and running activity stalls. Without them and all our volunteers and sponsors, we couldn’t provide the service we do. The day was a great success and our best ever. The turnout was amazing while we were supported by so many organisations and individuals along the way for what was a unique fundraising event over the August Bank holiday. After all, it’s not every day you see a group of pantomime horses racing down Colchester High Street!
Many organisations turned up to race for favourite charities, each team raising money for their own charity including Colchester Foodbank, Lepra, Mercury Theatre, Girl Guides, Tollesbury Players, St Helena Hospice and through Mark Cory and Scott Danielson, all eight of the Mayor’s Charities. More than 20 horses took part in this year’s event with 12 heats along the High Street. The Mayor started the first race aided and abetted by Buddy Bear our mascot regaling the crowd. Our canine friend represents ‘man’s best friend’ is raising awareness about the challenges of loneliness in later years.
Side Events were laid on throughout the day including rodeo bull riding, face painting and art competition. Colchester United FC officiated a ‘beat the goalie’ competition while next door existed a giant dart board to kick a football at. Many singers, dancers and bands also entertained the crowd during the breaks. The scavenger hunt was also a popular favourite, especially with the kids.
Finally, there were prizes for the Best Dressed Horses and for 1stPlace. Many teams were happy to be presented individual rosettes for winning heat races.
In total, we hope to raise more than £10,000 for charities in the aftermath of the event.
Though what was a thoroughly successful day is over, we are still open to receive donations for Age Concern Colchester and NE Essex which will help fund the variety of services we offer, including advice, friendship clubs and befriending in Colchester and Tendring. We are an independent charity and we rely largely on donations from the public so if you could consider supporting us with a one off or regular donation visit our website.
If you were inspired by Panto Horse Derby Day, please read about our own story which goes all the way back to the 1950s: https://www.ageconcerncolchester.org.uk/our-history/
But most of all, help us to raise as much money as possible so we can continue to provide an excellent service for our elderly population for many more years to come. There are a variety of ways you can donate, and you can find information about doing so here: https://www.ageconcerncolchester.org.uk/how-you-can-help/donate/
The Gallery From Panto Horse Derby August Bank Holiday 2019
Panto Horse Race, Colchester Bows and Belles dancers 
Panto Horse Race, Colchester The long walk home for Kevin and Karen Bentley 
Panto Horse Race, Colchester Tim Read and Pete Miles, winners of race 1 with their horse named Dennis! 
Panto Horse Race, Colchester St John Ambulance called in to help with one horse Howard Pitts and Bob Byers the heroes 
Panto Horse Race, Colchester Race 1 heads off 
Panto Horse Race, Colchester Mayoress Ann Cope awards her colours to the Mayor’s Mare 
Panto Horse Race, Colchester Racers 
Panto Horse Race, Colchester Broadie Yeamans, 6, (corr) 
Panto Horse Race, Colchester Scott Daniielsen and Mary Cory take a tumble team Mayor’s Mare 
Panto Horse Race, Colchester Colchester Mayor and Mayoress Nick and Ann Cope with team Mayor’s Mare, Scott Danielsen (corr) and Mark Cory 
Panto Horse Race, Colchester Buddy the Mascot warms up the crowd with some YMCA 
Panto Horse Race, Colchester Abigail Hartman, 14, running for Girl Guideing 
Panto Horse Race, Colchester Rotary Purple Polio Horse Julia Nelson and Ann Reeves 
Panto Horse Race, Colchester 
Panto Horse Race, Colchester Laura Butler and Nick Snow the Lepra Horse 
Panto Horse Race, Colchester Buddy the Mascot warms up the crowd with some YMCA 
Panto Horse Race, Colchester Nick Cope , Colchester Mayor with Buddy the mascot announce the first race 
Panto Horse Race, Colchester Race 1 heads off
Panto Horse Race, Colchester Karen and Kevin Bentley 
Panto Horse Race, Colchester Animation Dancers 
Panto Horse Race, Colchester Racers
