Colourful carnival had a 'save the planet theme'
RAIN forest animals, junk eating monsters and friendly bumblebees were just of a few of the colourful characters who appeared in Lymington’s popular carnival parade on Sunday.
Inspired by the 2019 theme ‘saving our planet’, many of the elaborate entries featured recycled materials such as plastic bottles, cans and clothing.
Spectators lined the procession route from Lymington town hall to St Thomas Street and down the High Street.
Organised by Lymington and Brockenhurst Lion’s Club, this year’s carnival theme was suggested by main sponsors Colten Care.
Lion’s club spokesperson and carnival organiser Ian Duncan said: “We were absolutely delighted with the wonderful standard of entries this year. We were initially worried that the theme could be a little difficult, but all of our entrants certainly used their imaginations to come up with some really amazing walking entries and floats.
“It is always very heartening to see so many pre-schools and youth organisations taking part and this year was no exception.
“We also enjoyed absolutely perfect carnival weather – dry and warm without being too sunny – and as a result the number of spectators around the route was definitely up this year.”
This year’s carnival queen was Priestlands School pupil Annie Long (14) accompanied by Isla Courtenage (7) and Oliver Barratt (9), who travelled in a 1929 vintage Rolls-Royce.
Former carnival royalty were asked to come forward and join the parade, and among them was 90-year-old Beryl Carroll, the 1946 deputy carnival queen who was transported in a vintage convertible Jaguar.
Lion’s club president Lynn Sharp added: “I would just like to take the opportunity to thank Colten Care – our main carnival sponsors – Lymington Town Council and Hampshire County Council who helped cover the costs of paying carnival bands and other expenses.”
Proceeds from the street collection will be donated to local groups and charities.
