THE LIPHOOK Carnival was a big success, say organisers, as the crowds turned out to see the vast array of floats and enjoy the annual event on Saturday.

Liphook Carnival committee chairman Karen Feeney said: “The carnival was great and the weather was perfect. The children’s fancy dress was a great way to start the day and the children did really well.

“The crowds were amazing, with about 5,000 people there, and we had more floats this year. We had some great floats, and people had gone to a lot of effort. It was great to see some old faces, and we raised in excess of £2,700.”

This year was Karen’s last as carnival committee chairman, and she will be replaced by Sally Cameron at the next annual general meeting.

Karen said: “Saturday’s carnival was a great way to go out, and I have every confidence Sally will take things forward.”

Karen also thanked everyone who helped with this year’s carnival.

She said: “I would like to thank all the volunteers, the carnival committee, the sponsors, Old Thorns for the fireworks, Dave and Matt for their fantastic commentary, the marshals, everyone who entered a float and everyone who came along.”

There were plenty of winners among the floats at this year’s carnival. White’s Joinery won the Tim Wheatley Memorial Cup with its Viking Ship, and the Deer’s Hut won the Best Overall Challenge Cup with its entry Pirates of the Caribbean.

White’s Joinery also won the Newcomer award and the Deer’s Hut also won the Best Illuminated award.

The Bramshott and Liphook Club won the Best on the Move award with its entry The Red Errors – Royal Airforce with Winston Churchill. The Deer’s Hut also won the Pubs and Clubs award, with Bramshott and Liphook Club second.

Liphook Guides won the Children’s Floats award with their entry Vintage Sea Side, and the Scouts were second with their Lego Ninjago.

The Motley Crew won the Walkers award with their entry the Wizard of Oz, Findlays were second and Mr Coyte was third.

Liphook in Bloom won the Adult Floats award, and Liphook and District Businessmen’s Association won the Push and Pull award with their entry Red Barrows.

The Bicknell family won the Best Steam award with their entry The Witches, Michael Oldham was second and the Whittakers were third. DPM Leadwork won the Trade Floats award with Prusiders, White’s Joinery was second, and Ashford Farm third.