Following last year’s flop, Verwood Carnival is back on its feet and celebrating one of the best events for a number of years.
Returning to its bank holiday slot in May, it attracted a huge crowd. A procession around the town, organised by committee member Shelley Morris, kick-started the event and though there were not many floats, the walking entries were colourful and numerous.
The carnival field was packed and spectators cheered and gasped through the arena acts including the dare devil Tigers Junior Motorcycle Display Team and explosive Dingle Fingle Comedy Clown Act. Another excitement was when Meredown Falconry Display lost a falcon and had to bring in a tracking device to find it.
On the side-lines, the Punch and Judy show was much loved by both children and adults.
A variety of stalls, sideshows and fairground rides aimed at younger children provided a pleasant family day out. Chairman Adrian Read, who nearly gave up running the carnival last year said, “The weather was brilliant and so was the support. Families brought picnics, which was nice to see.
“We worked hard and new members came on board with fresh ideas. I was very impressed. All the committee had a positive attitude. We ploughed a lot into the acts and afterwards everyone was very positive for another carnival next year.”
More photos will be published in mid-June Viewpoint Magazine.
