Carnival is smash hit

REGATTA and Carnival week in Lyme Regis got off to a bumper start on Saturday with organisers taking excellent collections and praise pouring in for the fireworks display. Saturday's carnival procession saw lots of entries, although most were walking with only one float by Cloud Nine florists from Axminster. Nonetheless carnival secretary Paul Bohane said organisers were pleased with Saturday's turn out, with the procession returning to its traditional route and large numbers of residents and holidaymakers lining the footpaths and the Marine Parade to watch the entries go by. Mr Bohane said: "Almost all the crowd stayed on to see the fireworks display in the harbour area, and by universal acclaim this was considered to be one of the best ever mounted in the town. We had engaged new contractors for this display, and many new spectacular effects were premiered for the crowd." Mr Bohane said the committee was pleased with the collections taken. He said: "We mount these events for two reasons. To provide fun and entertainment for residents and visitors and to raise money for the local good causes in Lyme that we support. We know Saturday was an outstanding success on the first count, and the generosity of the crowd showed that they too appreciated our efforts and helped us in our second objective." Other events throughout the week have included the arrival of llamas and alpacas on Wednesday as part of Peru Day. There have also been a range of activities including Monday's wheeled derby and open air cinemas last night and tonight. The week of fun continues tonight with Pirates of the Caribbean in the Langmoor gardens and Saturday's Walk of Light through the town. Programmes and details available at the carnival kiosk in Marine Parade. Look out for more great pictures in next week's Lyme Regis News.