Ringwood Carnival hailed a soaraway success

THOUSANDS of people turned out for this year’s dazzlingly colourful Ringwood Carnival.

Entertainers paraded through the streets in spectacular outfits while musicians and stunt bike riders helped to keep the crowds entertained.

The day’s revelry began with an artisan market in the Furlong and the Gateway, and carnival concerts in the town’s Meeting House.

There was an open day at the fire station, and a display by the Urban Display Bike Team on Bickerley Field as well as a funfair.

Bournemouth Carnival Band played in the afternoon and the day was rounded off with a fireworks display.

A carnival spokesperson told the A&T: “Ringwood Carnival was an unbelievably successful day, where thousands of people visited Ringwood to enjoy a festival of fun.

“As always, there was incredible community spirit.

“There was fantastic participation in our processions, and many discovering a whole host of entertainment throughout the town – from live music sessions and street entertainment, to stunt bike displays and mini steam engine rides.

“The atmosphere was electric, our little market town should be very proud indeed.”

The carnival court for the year included mayor Rae Frederick, deputy mayor Philip Day, princesses Maizie Sartin and Eli Turville of Poulner Junior School, and princess Lara Gaffney, and prince Freddie Corcoran of Ringwood Junior School.

In a tradition going back some 60 years, the royal carriage was drawn by Sampson Percheron horses.

Carnival revellers were also joined this year by local pilot Toby Ashfield, hovering and manoeuvring above the crowds in an EC120 Eurocopter provided by Bliss Aviation.

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