Bridport: Get ready for carnival fun on our biggest day of the year (From Bridport and Lyme Regis News)

Bridport: Get ready for carnival fun on our biggest day of the year

10:46am Wednesday 15th August 2012 in Bridport By James Tourgout

IT’S all systems go as Bridport Carnival explodes into life this weekend.

The grand procession takes place on Saturday, August 18 at 7.30pm before the spectacular Torchlight parade from Bucky Doo Square to West Bay the following evening.

The traditional curtain raiser to the carnival weekend – darts at the Conservative Club – is tomorrow, Thursday, August 16 followed by a car boot sale at Asker Meadows on Friday, August 17.

Late entry forms to go in the procession are available from the Bridport News office in East Street.

Carnival chairman Shaun Fox said: “We’re all set for a great weekend.

“We want everybody to come down and enjoy the carnival events.

“We hope everyone will have a fantastic time and help us raise loads of money for good causes in the local area.”

Teams need to sign on for the carnival darts at 7.30pm on Thursday, August 16.

The car boot sale at Asker Meadows on Friday, August 17 is at 6pm.

Arrival for cars is from 5.30pm.

The procession on Saturday leaves St Swithun’s Road at 7.30pm but floats and walking entries need to be there at 6pm.

Motorists are asked not to park in the road, to leave room for the floats.

There will be a children’s disco in the Conservative Club after the procession and Dancing in the Street in South Street with Mojo later in the evening.

There will be road closures in place in West Street and South Street during the evening until about 9.30pm although the top of South Street will be closed for longer.

Torches for the torchlight parade on Sunday will be on sale from 6.30pm outside the arts centre. The procession will then leave South Street for West Bay at 9pm where there will be a bonfire, music from Freak Circus and fireworks.

The fireworks will be at 10.30pm, weather permitting.

There is a shuttle bus home.

Carnival princess Tiana Foot will take pride of place in the processions along with her attendants Georgie Boyer, Ellie Rodgers and Kirsty Ellison as well as junior carnival princess Daniella Scadding.

A funfair will be also be in Asker Meadows during the duration of the Bridport and Lyme Regis News-sponsored carnival. The carnival bingo and quiz nights have already been held. The carnival quiz at the Conservative Club was won by the Drifters team, which received a bottle of champagne.

Quiz organiser and quizmaster Brian Morris called out the questions. There was also a raffle conducted by Mr Fox with help from Daniella and Kirsty.

Mr Fox said that the wide range of raffle prizes had been donated by local businesses and included a number of generous vouchers for eating out. He asked that when winners go to use their vouchers they make a point of thanking the staff as without such donations and sponsorship the carnival would not be able to continue in the future. Mr Fox added that he was delighted to announce that over £100 had been made from the quiz evening to go into carnival funds that provide grants to local beneficiaries. Volunteers are needed to act as marshals for the carnival procession.

No specific experience is required as yellow jackets and a full briefing will be given.

Marshals will also get a food voucher for the evening.

To become a marshal contact Mr Fox on 07836 516763 or email shaun.fox@ fwi.co.uk.

Visit bridportcarnival.co.uk for more details about the weekend or pick up a programme from the Bridport News office.