Perfect Day For Carnival

More than 3,144 was raised and carnival president Freda Hughes was absolutely delighted.

"The total is a credit to everyone involved and I want to say thank you to everyone who made this possible."

And crowds lined the streets in the evening to enjoy the colourful procession.

The theme this year was British history and it was clear a lot of effort had gone into the superb costumes and brightly decorated floats.

Mod Mums won a hat-trick of prizes in the carnival floats competition, although the judging panel certainly had a hard task on their hands due to the high standard this year.

But the winners had done themselves proud, decked out as classical statues on a float decorated with stunning grape vines and columns.

Not only were Mod Mums the winners of the most decorative float, they were also awarded most colourful and were judged the overall winners to boot.

Beach Bateria from Shoreham won the best band and the best pom-pom group was won by the Wick-etts.

Saintly voices coupled with immaculate dress ensured St James' Concert Choir secured first place in the best walking group category.

And it was a sweet victory for Spotlight Children's Theatre Group, whose bright personalities and first-rate costumes won them best youth float.

Fitzalan Medical Centre had the judges in stitches and they simply had no choice but to award them the prize for most humorous float.

Arun Yacht Club won first prize in the pub and club category, with Ockendens winning best trade float.

Nuns at the convent had prayed all night for good weather, and their prayers were certainly answered.

Indeed, carnival organisers and revellers could not have wished for a more perfect summer evening as the procession wound its way through the town.

Starting at St Winefrides Road, the procession made its way round the town's streets to loud cheers,

The procession was led by the Basingstoke Cavaliers, who were national marching band champions.

And crowds cheered the Carnival Queen, Princesses and flower girls, who looked gorgeous in new dresses, perching in classic cars.

The emergency services followed close behind, with the City of Coventry corps of drums bringing up the rear.

And revellers joined the procession as it completed its route at Southfields Road recreation ground, where a giant funfair was waiting to put the final gloss on a perfect day.

For more carnival reports and plenty of pictures, see the Gazette, July 18.