Swanage puts on its party hat! (From Thisisdorset)

Swanage puts on its party hat!

10:30am Monday 27th July 2009

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(0)

REVELLERS defied the damp weather forecast to turn out in force over the weekend to transform the streets of Swanage into a colourful spectacular.

Despite stormy clouds gathering overhead, the gods were looking favourably upon the Purbeck town as only a few drops of rain speckled the packed out pavements during the procession.

See all our pictures from the Swanage and Wareham Carnival by clicking the images below

The week of summer fun got underway on Saturday with a celebrated display by the Red Arrows proving to be a crowd-pleaser after some uncertainty during the week as to whether they would appear at all, due to displays elsewhere.

But thanks to the efforts of all the organisers and South Dorset MP Jim Knight, the famous display team were put back on the schedule earlier last week and attracted hundreds of boats to the bay and excited spectators to the sunny beach.

There were spectacular scenes on Sunday as well more than 45 different floats and groups took to the streets donning eye-catching costumes for this year’s masquerade-themed carnival.

Carnival queen Sarah Lane, 17, was joined by princesses Aicha Thompson and Drew Hamilton in the colourful parade.

Linda Welsh, carnival secretary said: “It’s been absolutely magnificent. Swanage has been packed out with people and the drizzle managed to hold off until three-quarters of the way through the carnival.”

The fun is set to continue as well as many more events are scheduled for the week ahead.

There will be live music playing all week on the stage at Shore Road and in the marquee at the carnival showground on Sandpit Field, which will also play host to other attractions including dog shows, country sports and children’s races.

The Red Devils will also be parachuting into the waters surrounding the picturesque town on Wednesday followed by a firework display with another scheduled for Saturday, to coincide with the sailing regatta.

Old favourites including the yard of ale challenge and wheelbarrow race also look set to be popular, along with daily treasure hunts by either foot or car.

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(0)