Ringwood Carnival organisers says thanks to sponsors (From Thisisdorset)

Ringwood Carnival organisers says thanks to sponsors

5:00pm Saturday 8th September 2012 in Latest By Katie Clark

Ringwood Carnival organisers have thanked long-standing sponsors for backing the event through thick and thin.

Final preparations are being made for this year’s carnival which gets underway with a quiz at Trinity Church on Saturday September 8.

The main carnival day is the following Saturday, September 15, with more than 10,000 people expected to line the streets.

Michael Lingam-Willgoss, vice-chairman of the carnival committee, admitted the current ‘tough economic times’ were having an impact on sponsorship income.

But, he added: “We are fortunate to be able to rely on long-standing sponsors who stick with us through thick and thin.

“Their help and support is invaluable. Without it Ringwood Carnival would not be the wonderful community event that it is today or, indeed, able to make donations to charity so we're eternally grateful.”

Mr Lingam-Willgoss was speaking during a visit to key sponsor Ellis Jones Solicitors with Carnival Queen Nancy Soloman and her attendants, Lizzie Treble and Annie Hopper.

The law firm is sponsoring the Carnival Queen who, together with her attendants, is a student at Ringwood School.

Carnival day on Saturday September 15 includes an afternoon parade and a torchlight procession.

Free events on The Bickerley include a fun fair, trade stands, the ‘Village Green’ with craft, charity and community stalls and a grand firework evening finale.

The first Ringwood Carnival was held in 1929, with the event held every year since 1950.

Nigel Smith, Ellis Jones’ managing partner, said: “Ringwood Carnival is one of the area’s best-loved community events and we’re very pleased to play our part in its continuing success.”