IF I WORE a hat then following this year’s successful Carnival, I would be eating it.

Early this year, following last year’s event, Ryan Hope had to address some very big problems in Carnival; there were very serious financial issues, daunting safety problems and a relatively inexperienced team.

Several Carnival “old hands” including myself, strongly advised Ryan to cancel this year’s event and concentrate on planning for a revitalised Carnival in 2016.

What we didn’t take into account was the sheer determination, passion and single mindedness of this 22-year-old.

He has experienced few doubts that I know of about his ultimate success.

He has worked extremely hard over the last few months raising a considerable sum of money, sorting out the issues and managing his team.

Whilst they have all worked very hard, I don’t think any of the committee will feel insulted if I say that this year’s event has been largely down to his unwavering drive for a successful event.

In any case, after the challenges of the weather on Wednesday, the team are now battle-hardened and ready for anything next year!

At £50,000 or more a time, Carnival’s main challenge is always the money and the people of Weymouth have rallied behind the event this year as never before, again due to Ryan’s efforts.

Be warned, he will soon be asking for your dosh for next year’s Carnival, so start saving!

The next challenge is the safety issues: the risks of taking scores of motorised floats along the seafront lined with thousands of people would be high without careful risk management using barriers, well-trained marshals and good contingency plans in case of emergency.

There will be a “wash-up” meeting with the emergency services soon when they will give their professional conclusions. From what I saw however, I am sure they will have fully appreciated that the team did their very best in difficult circumstances. And it must always be remembered that they are all unpaid volunteers, free to walk away at any time they wish. Fortunately they all stuck with it!

The bottom line is that Ryan did it and he hasn’t wiped that big smile off his face yet.

I personally hope that he defies convention and remains as Chairman next year, handing over in 2017 when the event has been fully re-established.

So well done my young friend, I’m very proud of you.

Roger Hogbin

Carnival chairman 2012