Annual Netley Marsh carnival features kilt-wearing cubs, flamenco dancers, leprechauns and Donald Trump

FLAMENCO dancers, leprechauns and Egyptian queens were joined by Donald Trump in the procession of a popular New Forest carnival.

‘Countries’ was the chosen theme for the annual Netley Marsh carnival.

The event, which raises money for Netley Marsh Guides and Scouts, as well as the nearby St Matthew’s Church, had a mixture of walking entries and floats.

This year’s carnival queen Freya Cook (13) was joined by princesses Empress Brogan (6), Meredith Painter (7), and Abi Wooton (9).

Judges included vicar at St Matthew’s, the Rev John Reeve, former Scout Andrew Saint and his partner Amanda, and local resident Kim Evans.

Winners of the group walking category were 2nd Netley Marsh Brownies as Spain, while Woodlands Pre-School as Holland took the prize for non-group walkers.

The best float was awarded to Rufus Cubs for their Scotland entry.

The procession, led by Stanley’s Own Scout and Guide Band, based at nearby Copythorne, left the Gamekeeper pub just after lunch.

It travelled along Woodlands Road before ending at the church hall, where a summer fair was held. Alongside refreshments and food, guests enjoyed performances from the Big Noise Community Samba Band.

Organiser Ian Sims, leader of 6th Netley Marsh New Forest Scout Group, told the A&T: “The streets were well lined again by the residents of Woodlands and Netley Marsh [and] once the fete got under way the crowds were plenty.

“Visitors had an enjoyable couple of hours with 22 different stalls and traditional games including a climbing tower from Ferny Croft's Scout Activity Centre, smash the crockery, a coconut shy and inflatable games.”

He added: “We were grateful to local businesses including Solent Skip Hire, who gave us a skip for free to accommodate all the rubbish at the end, Alfords Butchers for supplying the burgers and sausages at a special rate, Clive Bowen for providing the PA system and, of course, all the leaders and young people from the group who put so much effort into producing such a great carnival procession.”

Ian added: “It is a long day and a small committee meet during the year to plan the event and people put a lot of time and effort for which I am extremely grateful.

“When you see such spectacular sights as we did on Saturday and hear so many positive comments and people enjoying themselves it certainly makes it worthwhile. We would like to thank everyone that took the time to come along to support us.”

The final total is yet to be confirmed, but Ian hopes around £3,000 will be raised.