Thousands took to the streets of Andover on Sunday 18th July to enjoy one of the highlights of the year.
The Andover Carnival returned once again with rides, displays, a colourful procession of floats and performances from local acts as well as one of the most exciting boy bands around.
Floats returned to the procession and with a theme of ‘The Magic of the Musicals' it was a noisy journey!
Organisers have declared the day a huge success and 'the best in ages'. Mark Lazenby is one of them and he was impressed at how many people lined the streets to watch: "It started of with just a few on Mylen Road, but as we started to go down Weyhill, the crowd built up. When we got to the bottom of Weyhill and Bridge Street - the amount of people on the streets! Well done to those who came out and supported.
"I think we are going to improve and we are going to get better. It would be nice to have a few more people on the organising team so if there's anyone out there who has seen the day and thinks 'I'd like to help' we have got an AGM coming up in September. Contact the Carnival, we'll keep your name on file for when we're ready to start planning for next year.
"It's a great start for the return of the floats!"
As the procession came into the park attention started to focus on the stage where the entertainment was hosted by Andover Sound's Steve Randall and featured local acts including the finalists of It's A Showstopper.
But there was one band in particular that raised the excitement levels - as Andover Sound presented new boy band The Wanted, who took to the stage in front of screaming fans.
We spoke to them afterwards and they said: "It was amazing - the Andover crowd were mental! We didn't think they'd be that loud! All you could hear was them, you couldn't hear the track sometimes!"
North West Hampshire's MP has paid tribute to the organisers of the Carnival. Sir George Young said it was a great day: "Congratulations to Iris, Georgina, Maureen, Mark and the whole team that put it together. How great to have the floats back!
"What's really good about Andover is over the last few years more and more big events have taken place in Vigo Park, the High Street and Walworth Road."
All in all the carnival has been declared a hugely successful event. With plenty of money raised for local charities the organisers can relax with a few weeks off, before planning for next year begins!
Click play to listen to Ben McGrail's report from the event.
Meanwhile, the success of this year's Carnival could have a knock-on longer-term effect in Andover.
That's according to the Leader of Test Valley Borough Council who hopes that Sunday's event will bring benefits to shops and local businesses in future years.
Councillor Ian Carr says "It obviously brings people in hopefully if you get a good reputation. We used to travel to Pewsey to see their carnival so if you get a good carnival going with lots of attractions around and the shops are open. Then I think it will bring people in which is good as people get to know what is in the town".
Tell us how you thought it went and what you think could make it better next year. You can leave your comments below, and see photos from the event by clicking on the link.
"I Didn't Go To The Carnival Last Year But I'm Going This Year To Get A Photo Of The Fire Engine or Police Van CCTV. I Didn't Go For Years Now Hope To See Andover Sound There I Lived Here ALL My Life"
debbie of andover says:
10:25 on Wednesday 4th August 2010
"I know its a bit late just I just wanted to say well done to everyone who were involved in the carnival they done a great job. BRING THE WANTED BACK what more could I say. They were sooooo worth watching."
John Cockaday of Vigo Road says:
19:08 on Sunday 1st August 2010
"Congratulations to Andover sound for bringing Britains number one group The Wanted to the Andover Carnival. You saw them here first."
Sue Cogan of Upper Clatford says:
12:32 on Saturday 31st July 2010
"Firstly, I must thank Iris Anderson for doing a wonderful job of looking after my grand-daughter Georgia who was the Carnival Princess. A day Georgia will cherish for the rest of her life. Iris and the other Committee members made the Carnival come to life again, fantastic. Let us hope now this is the start of things to come and hope many more of the Community will join in next year. We must all keep this going and support as and when we can, the Charities need so much help to keep going as with many this is the only financial help they can get. So get your bottles/tins and anything else and start to collect all your loose change and help those who are worse off than ourselves.PLEASE "
Amy Bolton of Andover says:
17:32 on Saturday 24th July 2010
"Thought this years carnival was the best yet! Entertainment at the park was excellent and the floats looked wonderful! Big success! xx"
David of Charlton says:
16:12 on Thursday 22nd July 2010
"Well done to all involved.A great carnival and reminded me of how it used to be when I was a kid!!
So good to see the floats and bands involved again.I seem to remember we had a 'Carnival week' at one time?
I have never seen so many people in one place at a time here in Andover as there was in 'The Rec'....sorry, "Vigo Park"!:)
Great job, as always, from our local Bands on stage and I think lots of the little girls enjoyed the boy singers 'the wanted',so that was good then. "
Anon of Andover says:
16:50 on Wednesday 21st July 2010
"I would like to express my thanks to all the people thay made this years carnival so GREAT!
And especialy the the stewards in Vigo park that where very helpfull and profesional when I lost my Son. They where very calm and knew just what to do, one steward even lend him his coat to keep warm :) Thank you all for a great day "
Sandie of Mitutoyo says:
09:38 on Wednesday 21st July 2010
"As a participant of the float procession I would like to say WELL DONE to all the organisers and other participants of this years carnival which was brilliant! It all ran really smoothly on the day and I certainly wouldnt have liked to judge them all as so much effort was put into each of them. Having so much notice of the theme really helps to plan ahead and that showed with the high standard of the floats. I would personally like to thank Paul and Tim for all their hard work in making our marvellous Chitty and to Louise for the wonderful artwork. Big thanks also to everyone on the float for the fantastic costumes. Here's to 2011 !!"
Sharon OF Andover of Andover says:
21:39 on Tuesday 20th July 2010
"What a great day was had by all at the carnival, I would like to say the Advertiser did regret having to pull out of the float but as the organiser of the float a car accident prior to the event made it necessary, We did however pay our £10.00 which I agree was a really cost effective amount to pay! I look forward to next year and many more years to come."
Victor Meldrew of Andover says:
19:59 on Tuesday 20th July 2010
"The only negative comment I have to say is:- Why on a Sunday and why so late? By the time the procession finished, it was past 7pm, with a school day the next day it was such a rush. With that exception it was a fabulous occasion. Far better than last year's farce. Well done to those who all made this a joyful event"
Teresa Bradley of The Lights says:
13:01 on Tuesday 20th July 2010
"I would like to take the opportunity to publicly commend and thank the organisers of the Andover Carnival, a brilliant day for the town. I cannot be the only Andovarian delighted to see "a proper" carnival return to the town. The committee of volunteers took on the complex job of not only organising a procession with walkers, floats and bands, but also all the activities in the Vigo Road park - no mean feat - and they did a great job. I understand that an emergency along the route caused a small hold up with the procession but this was dealt with and the procession arrived at Vigo Road park in good time for everyone to enjoy the entertainment laid out in the park.
Here at The Lights a small team of staff and volunteers worked steadily for several weeks pulling our float together with lots of scenery building, painting and costume making. On the day the children who attend dance and drama classes at The Lights became Munchins and the characters from the Wizard of Oz and all thoroughly enjoyed their very first carnival. I'm sure the other companies and participants who no doubt worked so hard on their floats were, like us, delighted to see thousands of people turn out to cheer us along the route which made it all worthwhile.
I would like to particularly thank several of The Lights Bright Sparks volunteers who stepped forward to help us once again. Lynda and Heather Moore, who in their own words "opened up a Wizard of Oz sweatshop" to make the costumes, and Yvonne Spencer, John Dunning and Kelvin Marsh who gave their time on the day.
"
Unknown of Andover says:
10:14 on Tuesday 20th July 2010
"Katie where did you hep out? with the floats or the park?"
Katie of Andover says:
08:15 on Tuesday 20th July 2010
"This will be my last post on this years FANTASTIC carnival. Yes I did help out on the day, I put in over 12 hours helping.
Chairman, you and your committee did an outstanding job.
Lets hope it is more successful next year, please remember one of the aims is to raise money for charity so lets hopes the thousands of Andover residents that came out in support of the Carnival gave generously. I will be looking forward to seeing the report in the local paper on Friday, maybe I have got my picture in it somewhere.
Once again many thanks to everyone for making it such a special day.
Thanks to Andover Sound for allowing us ALL to post our own opinions,after all we are entitled to them.
Have a great Summer and see you all at next years bigger and better Carnival!"
...Manuela... of Andover says:
00:14 on Tuesday 20th July 2010
"In the aftermath of the carnival from last year…all we got was criticism and vitriolic comments…
This year… everyone agrees that the committee listened and improved on last year….
Commitment and time has not altered nor anyone’s unwavering support to try better Because They Worked Just As Hard Last Year Too!
There will be lessons to be learned on how to make it even better~ plenty time for that later~ but for now lets all enjoy in the glorious feeling of well being that something likes produces~ euphoria is by its nature short lived ~ but if you want another quick injection of smiling faces take a look at the many pictures of smiling faces on all the pictures dotted everywhere. Long after the summer is over those pictures will remind us all of what sunshine, Committed Business People, Volunteers, Police Ambulance Firemen and the Public can do when we all pull together….
"
Mark T Lazenby Chairman 2010 Andover Carnival of An says:
23:42 on Monday 19th July 2010
"To the carnival viewer from pewsey, many thanks for your kind words. As chairman Katie I can't take sides, but The Andover Advertiser have just been as supportive as Andover Sound. They support the Carnival year on year. To these will concerns will litter in Vigo Recreation Grounds, the team was there until 10pm cleaning up - it was a great day remember and you learn year in year."
A happy carnival viewer of pewsey says:
23:21 on Monday 19th July 2010
"katie,
Id just like to ask... In your last sentance you write that your a loacl resident trying to support the community wherever possible.... Did we see you on a float yesterday? did we see you in the big park as a steward? did we see you giving up your time? As a helper of pewsey carnival for many years id like to congratulate the organisers of Andover Carnival on a fantastic day. We know that its a group of volunteers not only giving up the day of the carnival but giving up many hours of there time up to a year in advance. "
Andy Reading of Andover says:
23:17 on Monday 19th July 2010
"I, along with Barry of Andover, were one of the ones who ferociously complained about the rubbish put on with regards to last years carnival. To us, it seems a victory, why? Because the organisers listened to the many disappointed voices and put on a carnival that was fantastic!!!! The only gripe i have with this years carnival and activities was brought on by myself! I did not expect such a great day and fabulous carnival. I have a very young family and didnt pack dinner for my youngest, so we had to leave earlier than we wanted to. Overall, brilliant! Well done to everyone who organised and participated in one of the best carnivals the town has seen. Hats off to you and see you next year"
Anonymous of andover says:
23:15 on Monday 19th July 2010
"Katie i really dont think there is the need for comments like this, your putting a taint on what was a fantastic day. The Andover Advertiser do a HUGE amount for andover carnival and you really shouldnt go bad mouthing companies that show there support. There are many who dont. Please dont go commenting things like 'im led to believe' whenyou dont know the full reasons. Maybe your company would like to sponsor and help out next year or perhaps you could give up 15 hours of your sunday to help out??"
Katie of Andover says:
22:39 on Monday 19th July 2010
"Joe Scicluna, no need to try and make me look totally stupid by your comments. I do not always recieve the free midweek paper from your company, and cannot always afford to buy the friday copy, I however can always hear Andover Sound for free.
As for supporting the Carnival, I am led to understand that the Advertiser was supposed to have entered a float but a few weeks ago pulled out, along with some others, clearly you fully support the carnival! After all I am informed a Float was all of £10.00 to have! too cheap in my opinion. Feel free to correct me if I am wrong.
For the record I am not an Employee or Family member of Andover Sound, just a local resident who tries to support her local community whenever possible. Katie
"
Hmmmmmmmmm of down the road and turn left says:
22:29 on Monday 19th July 2010
"just like to thank manuela for the time and effortshe puts into cleaning up the park everyday and especially her efforts whilst the carnival was happening"
amyhodson of andover says:
22:05 on Monday 19th July 2010
"the wanted is hot "
Brown of Andover says:
22:02 on Monday 19th July 2010
"i would like to say a thankyou too manuela as, all day she was working there cleaning up the rubbish wit her blue bag, but gets no mention. so thankyou!"
A Local Resident of Andover says:
21:57 on Monday 19th July 2010
" Carnival was great! More bins dotted around the park would have been helpful."
Dawn of andover says:
21:21 on Monday 19th July 2010
"Hi i saw some thing in town, i hope i dont see again. A older gentleman selling whistles, wirrly worms etc. A lady bought her son a whistle from him, the whistle did not work very well so she took it back to him, he tried it himself afterwards and gave the lady another one. When she went away with her little boy, the gentleman put the whistle back in the bunch he was selling. Whos mouth was on the whistle next. Disgusting."
Simon Churchill of Eye 4 Beauty says:
21:16 on Monday 19th July 2010
"As one of the Comitee members and Float Organiser I would like to say a huge thankyou to Aled and all his staff at Switch international for lending us the vehicles, drivers and Space to prepare the floats - All free of charge and also Transplus for the use of their vehicles. It was amazing to see so many people lining the streets and showing support. I felt very proud to be part of the team that seems to of put Andover Carnival back on the Map. Roll on 2011
"
a helper at the carnival of andover says:
18:53 on Monday 19th July 2010
"sue smith &barry of andoveryou both complained last year ? but did you both get off ur bums &help this year i think not y not ? "
liam horton" the carnival prince" of appleshaw says:
18:46 on Monday 19th July 2010
"hi i would like to say that i had a brilliant day and thankyou to all that made it happen, its a day i will never forget...."
richard and dalia horton ( parents of liam the carnival prince) of APPLESHAW says:
18:40 on Monday 19th July 2010
"what a fantastic day for all, the best carnival we have seen in andover for a very long time.
this carnival was very well organized and fun to watch.
we would like to take this opportunity to thank the andover advertiser,rembrunell bridal wear, pure design , forget me knot, the carnival committee especially iris andersen and of course andover sound for giving our son the prince a day he will never forget, thankyou so very much again,
richard and dalia horton"
Tony prince of Andover says:
17:41 on Monday 19th July 2010
"Well what a fantastic time my fiance and i had @
the Carnival. Congratulations to all involved. If i may add a small irritation it would be the lack of stalls around the Park area offering a little more, and toileting facilities, Otherwise just brilliant. Same for next year please."
Margaret of Andover says:
16:25 on Monday 19th July 2010
"Glad to see that everyuone enjoyed the floats, but what about the walker, we work jusgt as hard and yet we have not been mentioned at all. Even on the radio the day before was all about floats, Do you not want walkers, which would be a shame as the Brown Owl of 7th Andover Brownies has walked the last 25 Carnivals and 17th Andover have been for 3 years and had hoped to take part for a few more yearskpftx "
Jane of Andover says:
15:54 on Monday 19th July 2010
"This years carnival was great!! This was the first time my son had seen the floats and he was very excited to see the fire engines as well! Well done to 7th Andover Brownies who came 2nd in the walking procession. Do you have any pictures of the walking procession as none are on the web site. Can't wait for next years carnival."
Mark T Lazenby of Andover says:
15:44 on Monday 19th July 2010
"As Chairman of yesturdays Carnival - May I firstly say "Thank You" to all for the great comments left here. It was a great day and as derek said along day for the Team. But very much enjoyed. The atmosphere was great both lining the Route of the proccesion and in Vigo Recreation Grounds. Thank You to everyone who turned out and support the Carnival and its chosen Charities. Thanks to all the Volunteers and Carnival Team for making the day happen. To all the Businesses who support the Carnival a sincere "Thank You" to the all who preformed on stage and support back stage, again my Thanks.
To All The Float and Walking Enteries - YOU WERE ALL GREAT - the Floats looked brilliant and helped make the Carnival Special.
To Andover Sound and The Andover Advertiser for their continued support - my Thanks.
But again a BIG THANK YOU To ALL who attended for putting the Carnival back on the map. Look forward to seeing you all again in 2011."
Derek of Andover says:
13:35 on Monday 19th July 2010
"Thank you all for the great comments, as one of the volunters I did a 13 hour day yesterday, many did longer than me, starting at the park by 7:30am and there past 11:30pm.(That was just for the day, not the run up to it) Was it worth while? we like to think so. The gracious comments make all the work worth while. Andover expressed its views last year, we listened..
Andover carnival is back on the map .. See you all next year.. "
Richie M of Andover says:
13:20 on Monday 19th July 2010
"Had an uber great time, this year was awesome. Loved all the live music, the floats and the atmosphere. Well done Team Andover Sound and indeed Team Andover :) "
Mary-Anne of Andover says:
12:47 on Monday 19th July 2010
"WELL DONE to everyone who was involved in making the Carnival the success that it is!!!"
Fay of Andover says:
11:23 on Monday 19th July 2010
"I thought the carnival was really good, And it was great to see the floats back, Alot of effort went in to this carnival and the turn out was so much better, You could tell people enjoyed themselves I had a nice afternoon, And so much effort was put into the floats well done to everyone that took part! Hope to see the flats back again next year! "
Kimberley of Andover says:
10:59 on Monday 19th July 2010
"WOW!!!!!! What a day, I was on the Andover Childminders float and we had a truely amazing time. We were so happy and shocked to see how many people had come out to support the event and fill the streets with a great atmosphere. It was really nice to see that Andover has got a good community spirit. A big thanks to all that supported as it made all the hard work worth while. A definate event to happen again next year."
Martyn Fellender of Andover says:
10:44 on Monday 19th July 2010
"Excellent carnival, let's hope it grows even bigger for next year. Suggestion: at winchester hat fair the council supplied big wheely bins for rubbish. I know people could take their rubbish home with them but they don't didn't and the park looked a tip by 8pm, all the bins were overflowing. Also, at the end of the show how about asking for volunteers to help clear it up, give them a bin bag and a pair of disposable gloves. I think there would be enough community spirit around that people would join in.
Well done the organisers for a really great event."
...Manuela... of ...Andover... says:
09:57 on Monday 19th July 2010
"07:35 on Sunday 18th July 2010
"I wish all the luck in the world today to all that take part in the procession, a huge thank you, to all the have worked so tirelessly, throughout the year, to put this on for us all.. I hope all those people that were so disappointed, last year about our walking carnival, will come out today, and then be gracious enough to comment afterwards. It is my experience that not enough good things are said, about anything, or anyone… So to all that are participating in today’s events take my good wishes and my love. God Bless… "
This is what I wrote yesterday~ so well done the gracious people that will now say it was an incredible success~ because it was~
And lets also not forget Steve Randall on the stage...wow.. he could compare on something National....."
Sandi Lucas. of Pilgrims Way,ANDOVER. says:
09:50 on Monday 19th July 2010
"My Daughter Becci has now entered the Carnival 3 years running & on all 3 times has picked up First prizes in all 3 Carnivals. She got the first prize yesterday for the walking entry, I am very proud of her as She is only 15 yrs old and designed and made all the characters for all the carnivals. These take anything up to 10 months to put together. I say she deserves the rewards for all her time and efforts as all the stuff she uses is funded by herself out of her pocket money. She is very Happy and so am I. WELL DONE DARLING and we had a very enjoyable afternoon . "
Joe Scicluna of Andover says:
09:45 on Monday 19th July 2010
"It's a shame that Katie doesn't read her Andover Advertiser as it started the year by organising and running the Carnival Prince and Princess competition, as it has for the past 16 years. There were then regular updates, working closely with the carnival committee and with a member of staff on that committee. Then there was a page lead with full details on Friday 9 July followed by another update with a full timetable of the shuttle bus schedule last Friday.
There was also a four page wrap on the outside of last week's Midweek Advertiser with details of the entire event.
There has also been continual coverage on andoveradvertiser.co.uk and there will be a wide selection of pictures on the site.
The Andover Advertiser has been the paper of record and been at the heart of this community for 152 years and continues to give it total support. This carnival was a brilliant community event and a credit to all those involved and it would be a real shame to taint it with inaccurate and unecessary comments."
Sarah of andover says:
09:17 on Monday 19th July 2010
"WOW!! What a fab carnival and a fab day, so good to see the floats back and the romsey band which brought back memories of carnival's when i was a child! What a fab day and the organisers all deserve a massive pat on the back. He's to many more great carnival's to come. Oh and the vigo park music was fab too!! "
Nigel of Andover says:
08:42 on Monday 19th July 2010
"Well done to everyone for this years carnival,back to how it should be,great procession,fun in the park and all in all a brilliant atmosphere on a nice sunny day,the effort put into the floats was there for all to see especially the Wizard of Oz float from the lights,the costumes and scenery stood out and were put to great use by the enthusiastic people taking part,grear work by all involved."
Katie of Andover says:
08:28 on Monday 19th July 2010
"What a GREAT day, the Procession was amasing, all the floats looked really good, My daughter loved the Little Mermaid float from Pure Design Hair and Beauty, the lovely lady gave him a balloon, I got a pen and a leaflet with a great offer, 50% off my next Hair style and colour, I will definately be giving them a call to book it!
Thanks to Andover Sound for promoting it, I don't think I would have known about it if I hadn't heard it on the Radio! I never saw it in the Local paper. I don't know why the Advertiser did not support their local community! But hey who needs the paper when you can get all the information and pictures on Andover sounds great station and website.
Thanks to the organisers, what a great job you all did.
Katie
"
jenny of Roman Way says:
08:15 on Monday 19th July 2010
"I didn't go to the carnival day but looking at the photographs on Andover Sound it looked like a resounding success. Well done the carnival organisers/committee and well done to the folks in the procession, also, thank you to Andover Sound for all the publicity, no doubt it will be a day to remember for a long time to come.
"
sue Smith of Charlton says:
08:04 on Monday 19th July 2010
"Last year i said it was a poor show, but this year with the return of the floats and Romsay band it was great. The organisers had put a lot of effort into making a great carnival,the floats were very good and you could see the effort that people made,also having events on in the park keeps the flow of the carnival going. Well done Andover at last we see Andover has got the get up and go!!!!!!!!!!"
Barry of Andover says:
07:17 on Monday 19th July 2010
"I WAS ONE OF THE GUYS THAT COMPLAINED HOW LET DOWN I WAS LAST YEAR AND I JUST WANTED TO THANK THE ORGANISERS FOR THIS YEARS CARNIVAL AS MYSELF AND MY FAMILY HAD A GREAT TIME AND WE COULD TELL HOW MUCH EFFORT WENT IN THIS YEAR!!! WOW IT WAS GREAT TO SEE ALL THE FLOATS BACK IT TOOK ME BACK TO MY CHILDHOOD, MANY THANKS BARRY FROM ANDOVER.
"
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