Crowds fill streets with delight for popular 10th annual carnival in town

Hundreds of people whooped, whistled and cheered as they marched through the streets of Gosport for Bridgemary Carnival’s 10th annual outing.

Organisers hoped for a big turnout to mark the occasion and there was no shortage of families enjoying the day.

Youngsters dressed in brightly-coloured costumes wowed watching families as the carnival relived its previous nine years.

Participants chose from earlier themes, ranging from space to the weather.

Enjoying the procession was Katrina Porteous, 46, of Brewers Lane, Bridgemary, with her son Nasr Porteous-Bailey, three.

Katrina said: ‘We came last year for the first time.

‘It brings a feel-good factor to Gosport.

‘There are a lot of things that go on in Gosport and this is a nice thing to have.’

Nasr said: ‘It’s good, my favourite bit was the Minions.’

Katrina’s friend Mandy Wrein, 28, of Kings Road, Gosport, was with her son Harry Goldie, four, waving at the fire engine going past.

She said: ‘We got invited – it’s good and we loved the steel band.’

Harry added he liked the Gosport and Lee-on-the-Solent Lions’ Father Christmas going by on his sleigh.

The carnival set off from Bridgemary School in Wych Lane at 11.30am before heading along Brookers Lane and across Nobes Avenue back to the sports field, filled with stalls and games.

Three bands set the beat as nurseries and dance schools marched in Bridgemary.

Lesley Ward, chairman of the Bridgemary Carnival Association, said: ‘It’s very exciting to have reached this landmark.’

Kirsty Smith 28, of Alverstoke, had come to watch the procession with her two daughters Kelsey, six, and Macey, nine. She was with her sister Lucy, 21,and her daughter and Georgie, three weeks.

She said: ‘It’s something different. We thought we’d come, it’s good for the kids and you get to see a lot.’