Capital Sky had the sincere privilege to take part in the final running of the Dunstable and Leighton Buzzard Truck Convoy, joining huge numbers of drivers, families and supporters for an event that has become a deeply-cherished fixture across the local area.
Every year for the last decade or so, people have lined the streets to see the procession which is always a truly spectacular sight. Convoys of brightly decorated vehicles travel through towns and villages, drawing crowds of all ages who gather to cheer and show their support, and most importantly, raise money and awareness for two charities close to the organisers’ hearts.
The event which is now in it’s eleventh and final year, raises vital funds for Scotty’s Little Soldiers who provide support for bereaved military children, and the East Anglian Air Ambulance service, who provide advanced critical care by air and by road to the most seriously ill and injured people.
In front of the crowds, the vehicles made their way to Billington Showground for the family fun day which included live music, street food, and a range of family entertainment events. Later that evening after the truck procession, crowds in their thousands stood silent listening to a bugler play ‘The Last Post’, as the lorries switched their lights on as a mark of respect to the fallen.
In an interview with the Leighton Buzzard Observer, organiser Graham Munt said: “We always play The Last Post at the end of the day at 10pm at night, and the lorries turn on their lights – it’s always a tearful event.”
He went on to confirm the news that this would be the last truck convoy, saying the moment was
“a bit of a choker, even for me.”
While the vehicles may have been the most visible part of the day, the generosity of those who organised, participated and donated in support of the charities involved was the real story, and for Capital Sky to be represented among so many individuals and organisations who had given up their time to support the event was a real honour.
Everyone at Capital Sky would like to thank the organisers, volunteers and supporters who made the day possible, and to acknowledge the incredible work carried out by the charities at the heart of the event.
