Three-day Christchurch Carnival lauded as ‘biggest ever’

Christchurch Carnival attracted crowds “bigger than ever” with hundreds turning out to enjoy three days of events from the parade to a tug-of-war and an appearance by ‘Elton John’.

Organisers thanked all those who attended, adding: “With all the unsettling news that has touched so many of us and stretched across the country we felt that it was more important than ever to be able to put on three days of fun and celebration of Christchurch and the place we call home.

“You showed us the real power of social media: helping make this year even bigger by sharing all our posts and content. This means that on Saturday we'd never seen crowds like it. By the time Elton was playing His Song you were stretched all the way down to the bandstand and overflowing onto the riverside.

“Our mission as organisers of Christchurch Carnival is to bring otherwise separate parts of our community together, creating joy and happiness even in the darkest of times.

“Today, we feel immensely proud and we cannot wait to see you all again in 2025.”

This year for the first time the carnival started on the Friday with the crowning of the carnival stars, live music, fireworks and the tug-of-war. Saturday saw a day of live music including an amazing performance by Sir Elton tribute Andy Crosbie.

There was also a funfair and circus skills workshops along with food stalls and bars. Sunday saw the impressive carnival parade which saw the streets lined with people.

Chair of the carnival Viv Charrett, deputy mayor of Christchurch, said: “It was absolutely brilliant this year, I have never seen so many people turn out. The weather was perfect and every day went really well.

“There were 38 floats in the parade this year which was really great, and I think down to the fact we have some new committee members who really threw themselves into encouraging people to enter.

“The Christchurch District Band performed outside the town hall with one musician playing on the mayor’s balcony which was lovely. I want everyone who worked so hard to make it such a success and for all the people who came and had such a great time.”

Winners of the carnival float competition were the Pink Champagne Breast Cancer dragonboat ladies who managed to transport a dragonboat through the town – complete with shocking pink dragon.

Close runners-up were the Blue Tits swimming group whose float had mermaids and all sorts of sea creatures on it. Charity partners for this year were Pink Champagne dragon boat Team, The Listening Ear and Hengistbury Head Outdoors.