Mardi Gras carnival parades through Peterlee care home

A CARNIVAL paraded through the halls of a Peterlee care home when residents and staff threw their own Mardi Gras party.

The atmosphere of New Orleans’ world-renowned annual festival was brought to Bannatyne Lodge Care Home, on Manor Way.

Residents made their own party masks, hats, and garlands to parade through the home, while dancing, waving balloons and playing instruments to the catchy sounds of The Macarena.

Resident country music fan Audrey Lumsden, 80, decorated her cowboy hat with glitter and wore her Sherburn Country and Linedancing Club t-shirt for the occasion.

After the parade they were treated to cheese and wine while being entertained by the care home’s “three amigos”, carers Ann Ellison, Susan Phelan, and activities coordinator Dawn Minto.

Dawn said: “We discussed the idea of a Mardi Gras party and residents loved the idea of a making everything to go with it.

“They chose their own designs for the masks and we upcycled cake cases into garlands.

“It was so much fun to hold a parade, play musical instruments and dance to lots of upbeat music.

“After the parade we had cheese, wine and cake pops decorated with chocolate and sprinkles.  It was a wonderful afternoon.”

Resident John Lambert, 87, said: “What a wonderful afternoon. It was so much fun. I loved the parade and dancing to happy music. It was great seeing everyone’s smiling faces.”

Fellow resident Ann Fenbow, 84, said: “It was so nice to see all the lovely bursts of colour everywhere.”

Julie Armstrong, home manager at Bannatyne Lodge Care Home, said: “Everyone looked great in their masks, hats, and garlands.

“The residents all said it was great fun and they’re looking forward to the next party already.”