Thousands follow the parade!

9:32am Wednesday 16th July 2008

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THOUSANDS of onlookers flocked to Andover town centre on Sunday to see the new style Andover Carnival parade.

This year's carnival theme was multicultural stage and screen with colourful adaptations including Pirates of the Caribbean, Cleopatra meets the Prince of Egypt, cowboys and Indians and even 101 dalmations.

The carnival consisted of two separate marches, one leaving from Winton School and the other from The Scott Centre, before both meeting and parading down Bridge Street, up the High Street before stopping at the Guildhall.

Prizes for best in their categories were distributed by Sir George Young MP, Mayor of Test Valley Brian Page and mayoress Dorothy Page and deputy mayor Ian Hibberd.

Among the prizes were Wilkinsons in the business and commercial category, while Anton Junior School walked away with the schools prize, the groups over 11 category was won by Wildlife Watch and the individual over 11 prize went to John Dunn.

The carnival Prince and Princess Luke Wilson, aged 11 from Poynters Close, and Lauryn Newman, aged eight from Artists Way, were joined by attendants Chloe Fay Tuson, age eight, from Galahad Close and Cody Dixon, aged 10 from Roman Way.

The royal cortege led the parade in a suitably regal horse- drawn carriage donated by Elaine Elegance' Carriages, Lopcombe. A free mini make-over for the royal' girls was provided by 7 T 6, and 1st Impres-sions donated their flowers.

The carnival entertainment on the stage carried on into the evening with performances from Tony Murray Band, Merry-downs, Richie Madisun, Last Orders, Stone Pig and Torn Off Strip, with the latter two continuing their sets in The Station Hotel and Propaganda respectively.

Committee member Ruth Pendergrast said that they hoped to build on the success of the carnival next year.

"All sectors of the community were seen to get involved and I haven't had a negative response since the event," she said.

"The carnival shows what the community can achieve when working together."