It's all systems go for the carnival (From Bridport Carnival)

It's all systems go for the carnival

12:15pm Tuesday 16th August 2011 in News By James Tourgout

THE bumper Bridport Carnival is set to explode into life this weekend to celebrate its 40th anniversary.

The grand procession is on Saturday, August 20 followed by the torchlight parade from Bucky Doo Square to West Bay on Sunday night followed by an extended fireworks display.

But first there is the traditional carnival darts contest tomorrow night and a car boot sale on Friday as well as a fun fair.

Carnival chairman Shaun Fox said: “It’s all systems go. We hope it will be one of the best carnivals to mark our 40th anniversary.

“We want everyone to come out and enjoy themselves over the weekend and help raise lots of money for charity.”

A bingo night at the Conservative Club at the start of August raised £168 for charity and a quiz night at the same venue last week was also hailed as a great success.

More than 40 people in teams of up to six people answered questions on a variety of subjects including history, general knowledge, sport and science.

A raffle half way included prizes of honey rum, cupcakes, a book, craft items and vouchers for food and drink.

The quiz was organised by Brian Morris, who is a long-term member of Bridport's Carnival Committee.

The questionmaster was Adie Keating who regularly asks the questions at the George Hotel in South Street at their Monday night quizzes.

The winning team was the Flip Flops made up of Steve Napier, Beryl Napier, Linda Moore and Terry Moore.

The carnival committee wants to thank businesses and individuals for their sponsorship for raffle prizes. All of the income from the entrance fee of £1 per person and raffle ticket sales goes to carnival beneficiaries.

The Longs Fish and Chips sponsored carnival darts is tomorrow night, August 18, at the Conservative Club. Sign on at 7.30pm. There are three-a-side men’s and ladies competitions. Enter on the night or call Reg Pitcher on 01308 458192. The carnival car boot sale is at Asker Meadows at 6pm on Friday and the fun fair will also be open.

Carnival princess Jade Coombs and her entourage of attendants Hatti Amos and Ellie Rodgers, and Junior Carnival Princess Molly Gay will lead the grand procession on Saturday, August 20. The colourful, noisy and fun-filled extravaganza will feature flamboyant floats, fancy dress and walking entries. It sets off from St Swithin’s Road at 7.30pm and will snake its way through West Street and South Street as far as Morrisons.

Pick your favourite float for the Spectator’s Choice category, above. Fill in the form below and return it to the Bridport News.

There will be formal road closures in place from the mini roundabout at the bottom of West Street to Morrisons in South Street. These are likely to be in place until 9.30pm; while the top of South Street will be closed late into the night for music from the Vinyl Monkeys at 9pm.

People are being asked not to park in St Swithin’s Road this year, please, as that is where the procession will be amassing.

There will also be family disco in the Conserative Club from about 8pm once the carnival procession has started. Entry is free. On Sunday there will be a spectacular finale to the carnival – with the torchlight procession, fireworks, bonfire and music from the Sidekicks. The procession will burst into life and depart from Bucky Doo Square for West Bay at 9pm but people can buy torches from 6.30pm.

At West Bay there will be a bar and bonfire. Bridport band the Sidekicks will be playing live on the beach. There will also be a specially extended fireworks display at about 10.30pm to mark the 40th anniversary. Copies of the carnival programme are still available from the Bridport News office in East Street.

New members and volunteers who want to help with next year’s carnival are welcome. Please approach one of the carnival committee over the weekend or call into the Bridport News office.