Preparations under way for bumper Bridport Carnival (From Bridport and Lyme Regis News)

Preparations under way for bumper Bridport Carnival

5:35pm Tuesday 12th February 2013 in Bridport By James Tourgout

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

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 on Saturday, August 17 followed by the spectacular torchlight parade the next evening.

There will be 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 as 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.

Entrants included Bridport Youth FC, Loders Youth Club, Chard Majorettes, Churches Together and Washingpool Farm Shop.

Regular entrants Bridport Round Table, Lyme Regis Majorettes, the Bridport Pantomime Players and Nigel Phillips, the Wessex Military Band and Groves also joined in the fun. The torchlight parade was also hailed as a great success with music at West Bay and a spectacular fireworks display to round off a great day of events..