Fun lovers get into party spirit (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Fun lovers get into party spirit

EVEN though a shortage of organisers and volunteers threatens the future of Tisbury Carnival, the fun-loving folk of the village turned out in their droves to prove that their enthusiasm for the fiesta is undimmed.

For perhaps the final time, tradition was scrupulously observed, with the carnival procession divided into two parts - the afternoon fancy dress parade for the children and the grand evening cavalcade for the grown-ups plus any young revellers still left standing.

Shaftesbury Town Band was on hand to lead the youngsters' parade down the high street, headed by the carnival royalty.

They were followed by a motley assortment of characters, from fairies, flowers and bugs to movie and pop stars.

Tisbury Brownies were transformed into the Children of the World, modelling a cosmopolitan array of national costumes, which won them first prize.

Also winners were Ludwell Primary School, whose chosen mode of transport was a home-made version of the Utterly Butterly bi-plane.

Likewise inspired by aviation were the Red Sparrows - the Red Arrows, only smaller.

Tisbury Toddler Group brightened up an already sunny day with its portrayal of an English Country Garden.

Tisbury and district's sports centre's youth dance group and the Tisbury Twinkles set toes tapping with their Grease routine, bopping and clapping their way through the crowds, while a host of rock 'n' roll stars rode the Tisbury Aid float.

A funfair opposite the train station ensured that the party spirit continued throughout the afternoon, until Shaftesbury Town Band returned to herald the evening procession, headed by a Tisbury fire engine.

The pipes and drums of the Wessex Highlanders joined the show, along with The Simpsons and Mere Playgroup's answer to Jensen Button.

The Southwestern pub's winning entry featured a team of synchronised swimmers, periodically rising from a crepe-paper pool to entertain the crowds, who were generous in their applause all day long and always ready to enter into the spirit of the occasion.

However, those leaving the packed streets on Saturday night might well have reflected that, unless more volunteers come forward, they had witnessed their last Tisbury carnival.

As things stand, the carnival will not go ahead in 2006, with more people needed not only as marshalls on the day itself but to help organise and support the event throughout the year.