Town comes alive for Stourport Carnival (From Kidderminster Shuttle)

Town comes alive for Stourport Carnival

11:00am Tuesday 4th September 2012 in News

MARCHING bands, Irish dancers and fireworks made this year’s Stourport Carnival a day to remember.

The sun was shining as thousands of people lined the streets for the 87th land and river parade.

Chairman of the carnival committee, Pete Roberts said: “We took the chance to have it on just the one day and it paid off. It was one of the best carnivals we’ve had for many a year.”

The sound of whistles and horns greeted the land parade on its journey through the town.

Smurfs, pirates, daleks, superheroes and princesses all shook their buckets to raise funds.

Winners included Rachael Rudd for her ‘proud to be British’ costume, Lickhill Manor Caravan Park, 1st Areley Kings Brownies and York House Medical Centre. The best shop window went to Special Moments in York Street.

The land parade was followed by the crowning of the carnival royalty.

Carnival queen Beckie Price, 16, said: “I really enjoyed the parade. I wanted to represent my generation and boost my confidence and I can’t wait to help raise lots of money for Stourport town. It’s the first time I’ve applied. I’m really lucky.”

Ayla Trouvé, carnival princess, said: “I’ve been applying since I was five. It’s been amazing. My hands started to hurt in the parade from all the waving.”

Two river parades, including an illuminated evening event, featured on the day with fireworks bringing festivities to a close.

Mr Roberts added: “It’s safe to say we’ve raised a lot more than last year - the buckets were full. All the money goes to local charities, it’s put in by Stourport people for Stourport people.”

Stourport Mayor Gary Talbot said: “The weather’s been perfect. Everyone’s been wonderfully supportive again. All praise to the Stourport Carnival committee.”

The lucky programme number was 1977, picked out by the carnival royalty and coincidentally the year of the Queen’s silver jubilee. The winner should claim their prize at Pete’s Prints.

Mr Roberts added: “Congratulations to everyone. We hope to do the same again next year. We need to keep the tradition going.”

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