Bognor goes crazy for the carnival

The school won with their toys and games float, matching the theme of this year’s carnival and beating the other 38 parade entries to the top prize.

In all thousands of people either took part in the parade, watched on the side of the streets, or took part in festivities at the West Park Showground.

For the first year there was a dog show, which proved extremely popular with around 90 entries.

The winner was Lisa Sharp with Shadow, her German Shepherd.

“It really was fantastic, “said Steve Hearn, vice chairman of the Bognor Regis Carnival Association.

“We had 39 entries in the parade, which was led brilliantly by the Melton Mowbray Toy Soldiers Band.

“We also had the Wondergirls from Bognor, The Regis Troopers, Meridian Corps of Drums, TS Sturdy Band and Hastings Coastal Twirlers.

“There were over 40 stalls and sideshows in West Park, and Elaine Armstrong did a fantastic job organising the dog show, we had about 90 entries.”

After the noisy and colourful parade snaked its way along the seafront, family fun was had in West Park with arena events, children’s activities and funfair rides.

The parade prizes were given out just after 3pm, with South Bersted School winning the Special Theme Class as well as the overall prize.

Mr Hearn said: “There were loads of children and staff on their float, it was a good mix of toys and games and a lot of effort clearly went in.”

The day was rounded off by a display from the Suzanne Hill School of Dance and then the Bersted Community Choir who closed proceedings in style.

Mr Hearn added: “This is the second year it has been run as a community event by volunteers.

“The carnival will definitely be back again next year. June 10 has already been confirmed and we’re looking for new volunteers and committee members to join to help with fundraising throughout the year.”

Mr Hearn thanked all those who helped, as well as the sponsors for their support.

Parade entry winners 2016

Special theme class ‘Toys and Games’: 1st: South Bersted School; 2nd: Arun Arts/Regis Centre; 3rd: Bognor Swimming Club.

Local or national trade: 1st Crops N Bobbers; 2nd: Rose Green Arts Craft Centre; 3rd: Bubble Pop.

School/Playgroup: Busy Bees Preschool.

Senior Group: 1st Bognor Regis RAFA Club; 2nd: Keith May.

Juvenile Group: 1st Bognor Regis District Scouts; 2nd Knightstar Productions; 3rd Bognor Regis Town FC.

Best Walking entry: 1st The Base Skatepark CIC; 2nd Arun Aikindo Club.

Mixed Bunch Group: 1st: Bognor Pier Trust; 2nd HFT Sussex; 3rd: Kyushun Ryu Ju Jitsu.

Special Mascot: 1st Hotham Park Train Mascot; 2nd Bognor Regis Town Youth FC; 3rd Chestnut Tree House.

Overall winners: South Bersted School.

Dog show winners

Best in Show: Lisa Sharp with Shadow, the German Sheperd.

Reserve Best in Show: Laura Featherstone with Leni, the Blue Staffy.

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