Carnival Success

Bad weather didn't keep people away from the annual Helmdon carnival last weekend.

A whole host of activities took place throughout the bank holiday weekend to keep families entertained and organisers estimate there were more than 2000 visitors to the village throughout the three day event.

On Saturday there was a carnival dance followed by a disco where Rockface performed at the sports fields.

On Sunday there was lazy Sunday afternoon jazz with the Porterhouse Six with a bouncy castle to keep the younger visitors happy.

Monday was carnival day with the theme of the Olympics when visitors were given a variety of activities to choose from.

There was a novelty dog show which included the waggiest tail and the most beautiful eyes competitions as well as a fancy dress competition for both adults and children.

Despite the winds there was also a parachute display and a model helicopter display.*

Peter Burns who helps organise the event, said: "It went very well, we raised a lot of money for charity. We are hoping it is in excess of £4,000. There will be a meeting to decide who gets what.

"I think everyone enjoyed it.

"We keep trying to find different things to do.

"It went down very well. There were probably more than 2,000 people there.

The Brackley Post - 3rd September 2004

*In fact the wind did stop the parachute display and model helicopters flying - the Post's reporter was clearly rather optimistic!