Carnival Comeback

blackmorevaleOctober 14, 20220 Comment0

It’s carnival time once again in the Blackmore Vale!

CROWDS turned out in force for the Gillingham Carnival at the weekend for a day of colour and spectacular costumes.
The event, which was returning for the first time since 2019 due to the pandemic, was hailed a big success by organisers.
First up was the children’s carnival procession, with prizes handed out in a range of categories.
That was followed in the evening by the full carnival display, which saw thousands out on the streets.
Mary Bailey, chair of the carnival committee, said it had been a big success.
“It went brilliantly,” she said. “It was a really good day.
“There were lots of crowds in the streets watching the processions, more than I think we have had for a number of years.
“The atmosphere was great and the quality of the entries was really high, particularly considering the clubs had been off for two years.
“But the turnout for both processions, the children’s and the main display, was amazing.
“We always get a good crowd, but this year it seemed it was bigger than we have seen for a number of years.”
For more information on Gillingham Carnival, and to find out how you can get involved in the event, log on to gillinghamcarnival.org.uk.

Gillingham Carnival…

Pictures courtesy of Phil Cutler Photography and Gillingham Carnival.

Shaftesbury celebrates!

Thousands of people lined the streets for Shaftesbury Carnival, showcasing the pinnacle of creativity, engineering and the incredible work undertaken by dedicated volunteers.
Chairman Rich Mullins said: “What a comeback for carnival! After a two-year sabbatical because of the pandemic, the people of Shaftesbury turned out in their thousands to support the town and carnival.
“We closed the high street all day for the first time – inviting people to shop local and experience wonderful live music, dance and aerial performances, and our three processions from the afternoon onwards really showcased what carnival is all about.
“We had one of our best ever turn-outs, with the band parade a highlight for so many.
“The processions were packed full of local and Wessex entries – the day was a joy from start to finish. With 2022 being the first carnival without long-standing chairman Ray Humphries, we hope we did him proud.
“Thanks to the generosity of the crowds, we raised a fantastic £3,140 over carnival day, which will be split between Westminster Memorial Hospital, Shaftesbury Town Band, BOOBs of Shaftesbury, CarLink and Fontmell Under 5s.”
The committee wishes to thank every person that attended, gave and supported the carnival and look forward to doing it all again on Saturday 30 September 2023.