23rd June 2011

DORCHESTER: Carnival weekend

The sun made a welcome guest appearance as better than forecast weather greeted Carnival Day in Dorchester and the annual Street Fair.

Local charities and other organisations took the opportunity to earn some much needed funds before the main event, the Carnival Procession, in the evening.

The Children’s Society was resplendent as 101 Dalmatians, complete with a very sinister looking Cruella de Ville and their usual superb collection of homemade cakes. And once again the supporters of Breast Cancer Care attracted a great deal of attention with their Pink Tombola.

Passers-by parted with their cash to win prizes, buy gifts, and offer their support to Julia’s House and Dorchester Town Football Supporters Club to name but two of the organisations present in South Street.

People calling in to the Horse with the Red Umbrella for a quick cuppa and a bite to eat were transported back to the Stone Age as staff members donned fancy dress and entered into the carnival spirit. John and his staff always make an effort and should be commended for their enthusiasm and community spirit, while Dorchester Travel put together a shop window in recognition of the carnival and its theme of Heroes and Villains.

Musical entertainment on the stage at the bottom of South Street again proved popular, courtesy of the Chamber of Commerce through the Town Promotions Sub Committee and the Dorchester Music and Performance Group. The event kicked off with the hugely popular and talented Lil Dreads, and included other local musicians the Geoff Miller Band, the Dinnerladies, Rackit Box and the Steve Orson Band. The music was set to continue into the evening with State of Undress due to appear in the Borough Gardens following the procession.

CARNIVAL RESULTS:
Childrens walking:
1st: Westfield Arts College
2nd Sarah Smith & friends
3rd Twiglets CC
Highly commended: Clowns for Downs
Floats:
1st: St George’s Sunday School
2nd: Manor Park School
3rd: Dorchester Rugby Club juniors
Highly commended: Sunny Days Nursery
Non Commerical Organisations:
1st: Dorchester Town Supporters Trust
2nd: Weldmar Hospice Care
3rd: Childrens Society
Highly commended: Dorchester Strollers
Commercial:
1st: The Thomas Hardye Leisure Centre
2nd: Martial Arts UK
3rd: Hot Steps Dance School
Highly commended: Wessex FM
STREET FAIR
Best stall: Dorchester and West Dorset Guides
Best dressed window: Dorchester Travel
Best fancy dress: The Horse with the Red Umbrella

PICTURE: HEADING THE PARADE - Dorchester Carnival Band entertaining the crowd

DORCHESTER: Carnival weekend

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