The Cambridge Christmas Parade went ahead today at 2pm with steady rain which eased off during the event giving the hundreds of people who packed the streets the opportunity to see all 51 floats, the most since 2017.
Cambridge Primary School, the winning float. Cambridge Christmas Parade 2024. Photo: Mary Anne Gill.
The Breeze’s Camille Guzwell, who was commentating on her 10th parade, said it was one of the highlights of her year “even in the rain.”
The Grinch tried to steal Christmas and hopped into the Te Manawa o Cambridge vehicle at the Town Clock roundabout which resulted in the van breaking down due to over heating. Te Manawa o Cambridge Trust is a community hub dedicated to supporting whanau in Cambridge. The trust provides a safe and welcoming space for connection, learning, and growth, offering resources and support to strengthen the community.
Destination Cambridge volunteer Vicki Ewing ran the parade supported by general manager Ruth Crampton and with support from volunteers on the day – Cambridge Rotary, Rural Tours and major sponsor New World.
Santa Claus even turned up despite the rain and then spent time in the Cambridge Town Hall at the Christmas Festival.
The overall winner was Cambridge Primary School. Other category winners were: Waipa Networks Business Category – Marky and Sparky, Kaz Design Pre-School category – Cambridge Kindergarten, Cambridge Community Board School category – Cambridge Primary School, Jumble Around Community group category – Lions Club of Cambridge.
More photos: Cambridge News Thursday 5 December.
A helping hand for Te Manawa o Cambridge, a community hub dedicated to supporting whanau in Cambridge. Photo: Mary Anne Gill.
Youth Aid officer Constable Danica Hibdige leads the parade. Cambridge Christmas Parade 2024. Photo: Mary Anne Gill.
Rob Hocking leading the Cambridge Brass Band. Cambridge Christmas Parade 2024. Mary Anne Gill.
Cambridge & Districts Pipe Band lead the Cambridge Christmas Parade 2024. Photo: Mary Anne Gill.
Waipa District Council had the gardens looking a treat for the Cambridge Christmas Parade 2024. Photo: Mary Anne Gill.
Waipa District Council had the gardens looking a treat for the Cambridge Christmas Parade 2024. Photo: Mary Anne Gill.
Mayor Susan O’Regan with son Jack Hayward in a 1929 Rolls Royce Phantom Springfield. Cambridge Christmas Parade 2024. Photo: Mary Anne Gill.
Nipping across the road in front of one of the giant Kenworth trucks from C & R Developments. Cambridge Christmas Parade 2024. Photo: Mary Anne Gill.
Part of the crowd at the Cambridge Christmas Parade 2024. Photo: Mary Anne Gill.
And finally Santa Claus arrives for the Cambridge Christmas Parade 2024. Photo: Mary Anne Gill.
Gareth George, a client of Progress to Health, made the trip from Hamilton by bus to the Cambridge Christmas Parade 2024. Photo: Mary Anne Gill.
Carley’s Kitchen owner Peter Young relaxes at the end of the Cambridge Christmas Parade 2024. Photo: Mary Anne Gill.
