Carnival 'exceeds all expectations'

Thousands lined the route of the parade for Newbury Carnival this afternoon (Sunday)

NEWBURY Carnival has been hailed as a resounding success by carnival organisers.

Thousands of people lined the streets of Newbury this afternoon (Sunday) for the carnival parade, which included 62 entrants.

People are also still enjoying dozens of activities and stalls at Northcroft Park as the carnival fete draws to a close.

Carnival chairman, Bryan Harper, said the carnival had exceeded all expectations, describing it as a wonderful event.

He said: "It has been absolutely fantastic.

"We always hope it will be bigger and better than before and this year that has been the case."

Mr Harper estimated that more than 800 people were involved in the 62 floats entering the parade, while he estimated that up to 10,000 people were in the crowd.

He said: "I am lost for words.

"I think it is amazing for so many people to have come out to support an event like this.

"I think it is what the town needs to create a huge buzz and I thank everyone in Newbury for their support."

Prize winners:

Best individual or small group entry: Peter Bosley - The Keystone Kops

Best music or dance entry: Nomads Musical Theatre - Our House

Best walking entry: Newbury and District Girl Guiding - The Golden Age of Guiding

Best youth group entry: Kids Inclusive Club in Newbury - Countries of the Olympics

Best community group entry: Royal British Legion - The Golden Nugget Saloon

Best schools entry: Speenhamland Primary School - ASncient Greek Olympics

Best business entry: Newbury Town Council - At the end of the rainbow

Most creative entry: Winchcombe School - Tutankhamun and the Egyptians

Overall winner 2011: Speenhamland Primary School - Ancient Greek Olympics

For pictures and more coverage from the event, see Thursday's Newbury Weekly News.

To see a video from the event and an interview with Mr Harper, click on the video link above.