RAIN, rain go away, was the children's chant on everyone's lips as the nursery-rhyme-themed Christchurch carnival assembled for Saturday evening's procession.

And it worked. The afternoon's downpour abated in time for the procession of more than 20 floats and fancy dress characters - and spectators lining the route - to avoid getting wet and windswept.

In fact the only "reigning" on the parade was done by carnival queen Kate Rowe, 15, and her princesses Abbie Johnson, 10, and nine-year-old Leanne Harris, who were especially pleased the weather held off since they were riding in an open-top car provided by sponsor Sewards.

Top fancy dress prize, judged en route and presented by Queen Kate at the finish on Barrack Road recreation ground, went to the host of nursery rhyme characters portrayed by three generations of the Flexman, Caines and Grimes families from Somerford.

The sexy '60s hippie chicks of Bournemouth and Boscombe Light Operatic Society's Sweet Charity tableau won the top float prize and the new best overall entry trophy given by Coles funfair.

One colourful character who was not in fancy dress was native American Uqualla, resplendent with his traditional tribal head dress, haircut, face paint and eagle wing totem.

A medicine man with the Havasupai tribe in Colorado, he is currently touring Europe with his spiritual circus.

"I am just so happy to be here at a time when the town is having a celebration. It is so exciting," he said.

Air Cadet Sam Excell was also flying high in the cockpit of a half-scale replica Spitfire built by members of the Christchurch Royal Air Forces Association.

The regatta and carnival presages a week of fun events around the borough including shove ha'penny tournament at the NADSS club in Bridge Street tonight and a craft fair in Saxon Square on Thursday.

There is a French theme to the fun and games on the quay the following weekend with more fancy dress, music and arena attractions including a junior field gun display and fireworks.

First published: August 15