Building on success of best Bridport Carnival for decades (From Dorset Echo)

Building on success of best Bridport Carnival for decades

1:00pm Wednesday 13th February 2013 in News By Anne Bell

VOLUNTEERS are stepping up preparations for this year’s Bridport Carnival as they aim to build on its growing popularity.

And the hard-working carnival committee now wants to hear from worthy causes which would like to be considered as beneficiaries from this year’s event.

Members of the committee have set the date for the procession as Saturday, August 17, followed by the spectacular torchlight parade the next evening.

There will be the usual build-up of events, including darts, a quiz night and bingo, to bolster proceeds in aid of local charities.

The preparations come after a bumper 40th anniversary carnival in 2011 and the best event for many years in 2012.

Carnival chairman Shaun Fox said: “We have already started planning for this year’s carnival.

“We had a pretty good carnival last year. It was our best for a long time and we are shaping up for another good year this time around.

“We are still looking for beneficiaries for this year’s proceeds so please get in touch if you can help.”

Organisers hailed last year’s carnival as the best for over a decade with more floats and packed streets the length of the procession route from St Swithun’s Road, West Street and all the way down South Street.

The Carnival Princess was Tiana Foot and her attendants were Georgie Boyer, Kirsty Ellison and Ellie Rodgers. Daniella Scadding was Junior Carnival Princess.

The torchlight parade was also hailed as a great success with music at West Bay and a spectacular fireworks display to round events off.

JOIN THE CLUB

A NEW carnival club has been launched to get involved in carnivals in the area.

The Habourside Carnival Club has held several meetings so far and has its own float lined up.

Visit the website at haboursidecc.wix.com for more details and to join up.