CHALLENGING weather conditions at the weekend caused huge disruption to all sorts of events across the UK – and that included Parkend Carnival.

The much-anticipated annual event went ahead as planned, but with a reduction in entries for their tribute to the Olympics, and in the number of stalls willing to brave the rain and wind.

A 'window' of fair weather mid-afternoon allowed the procession to take place, with the band setting the tempo, while the Carnival Queen, her attendant and Princess were resplendent in a real horse and carriage – something that drew many admiring looks and which is something the organisers are keen to repeat.

Sadly, the reduction in numbers attending did affect the fund-raising at the event, with the carnival secretary Geraldine Brown telling the Review: "Hopefully the carnival will break even and there will not be a loss, but takings were really less than a third of last year. Some stalls did not turn up due to the rain, but thanks to all those who braved the weather and set up their stalls, and also to the public who came out to watch the procession and enter the field."

The carnival has been going now for 44 years, and Geraldine added a positive note when she told us: "The last year that the carnival was washed out was back in 1986 – so over the 44 years we have actually been lucky!"

Results

CARNIVAL WINNERS: Heavy Goods Class: 1, Wyesham Social Club in Wonderland; 2, Parkend School Horrible History. Light Vehicles Class: 1, Walk For Life; 2, War Horse. Cars Class: 1, Teddy Bears' Picnic; 2, The Stig; 3, G.B.R. Walkers: (Up to 5 years) 1, Cupid (Culum); 2, Original Fairy Liquid. (6 – 9 years): 1, Stitch in Time (Isabelle); 2, Witch from Harry Potter (Holly); 3, I'm In the Army Now (Lewis). (Over 15s): 1, Buzz Lightyear; 2, Equestrian Gold Medallist. (Groups of two or more): 1, The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe; 2, Big Fat Forest Wedding 3, Horse For Sale.