THIS year’s Bridport Carnival has been hailed as one of the best in years.

Organisers are celebrating after packed crowds turned out for processions on consecutive nights.

On Saturday night, the carnival procession wove its way through the streets before people came out once again late on Sunday for the torchlight procession followed by a firework display and bonfire on the beach at West Bay.

Other carnival events included darts, a fun fair at the West Street car park on the Friday and Saturday and also entertainment from the Wessex Military Band in Bucky Doo Square. on the Saturday.

The committee is celebrating what they believe to be one of the best carnivals for years.

Carnival chairman, Shaun Fox said: “I reckon it was the best carnival in years.

“There were more people than I have ever seen in Bridport.

“It was really good to see Bridport come out as it always does and put on a good show.

“All we can do is organise it then it was down to the people to take part.”

Saturday’s procession was lead by carnival queen Kirsty Ellison. after she auditioned with I dreamed a Dream from Les Misérables.

Entrants in to Saturday’s procession were as varied as ever.

Winners included Washingpool Pool Farm for their Washing Pool Land Army and the best overall prize was presented to the Harbourside Carnival Club for their Funny Farm.

Other entries included the Bridport Brownies, the Roundtable dressed as Ghostbusters, Bridport Scouts as Minions and many more.

Organisers also hailed the success of Sunday’s torchlight procession with demand for torches so high they sold out 25 minutes before the event.

The torchlight parade concluded as usual on the beach in West Bay with the bonfire as the crowds settled in for the fireworks display.

Taking part in the torchlight procession was the mayor of Bridport, Sandra Brown.

and she was happy with the turnout, especially at the torchlight procession.

She said: “I thoroughly enjoyed my part in the carnival procession although it is sad that we don’t have so may floats now. The walking entries were good, but there is no doubt that floats are what people want to see, but due to insurance and health and safety it is much more difficult than it once was.

“The torchlight procession was brilliant. I don’t think I have ever seen so many people."

“I was counting the money on Monday and it looked very good which is excellent after all the work that goes into it, the fireworks were superb.”

The carnival was in jeopardy earlier this year before negotiations with Highways England saw its ban on the torchlight procession crossing the A35 lifted.

Carnival prize winners:

Open mounted: Back to the 60s, by Bucky Don’ts Ukuleles

Comic mounted: Funny Farm, by Harbourside Carnival Club

Youth entry: Minions, by Bridport First Scouts

Walking one to three people: Cosmic Stirring, by Cousins Carnival Club

Walking four or more: Dick Whittington, by Bridport Pantomime Group

Walking, wheeled and or motorised: Washing Pool Land Army, by Washing Pool Farm

DT6 most innovative: I-Robot, by A&A Carnival Club

Best costumes: Cosmic Stirring by Cousins Carnival Club

Best local and best overall entry: Funny Farm by Harbourside Carnival Club.

Carnival supplement P29.

Best overall: Funny farm by Harbourside Carnival Club