Fun in the sun in Flimby

Villagers turned out in force for this year’s Flimby Children’s Carnival.

People were lining the streets to see the colourful floats and the sunshine got everyone in the spirit. Residents were enjoying barbecues in their gardens while watching participants in fancy dress entertaining the crowds along the route from Flimby School to the rugby field, where fairground rides, bouncy castles, trampolines, food stalls and live bands were ready to entertain families.

Stacey Steel, 32, of Flimby, who worked on the Carnival Queen’s float, said: “Coming to the carnival is a family tradition for us, we love it. The turnout was really good this year.”

Ann Ostle, 76, of Flimby, made the Prince and Princess float. She said: “It takes a lot of time and effort to make the floats, but it’s all worth it in the end. We do it for the children, they love it and I’ve been doing this for 70 years now. Myself, my mum, my daughter and my grandchildren have all been in the carnival.”

Louise Sewell, 49, started to work on Seaton’s Little Gypsies float in January. Four generations of her family have been involved in Seaton and Flimby carnivals. She said: “It’s a tradition and we’ve got to keep it alive as long as we can, we look forward to it every year.”

Rachel Brocklebank, 30, of Seaton, said: “We always come to Flimby carnival, we love it. The whole day is great and it doesn’t matter what the weather is doing and after the carnival there’s always lots for the children to do in the field.”

Lesley Iley, 39, of Seaton, helped make the Rose Queen’s Alice in Wonderland-themed float. Her daughter Lydia, nine, was the queen.

She said: “The carnival is something I’ve done all my life, my daughter was born on the day of Seaton carnival.”

Organiser Karen Markham said: “It’s been a fabulous day, it was great to see so many people support it. The weather has helped, it’s been very busy.

“I’d like to thank everybody that has taken part, the collectors, helpers, my mum and dad who do loads and my aunties.

“I’m really happy with the turnout, I’m chuffed to bits about the day.”

Councillor Peter Kendall, who represents, Flimby on Maryport and Allerdale councils, said: “It’s been absolutely amazing, it’s getting better and better. It’s always an absolute pleasure for me to take part, the event is wonderful and shows Flimby at its best.”

Retiring queen Abigail Heskett, handed over the crown to the new carnival queen Kacie Steel.

Here is the list of results. Village Queen: 1st Prince and Princess, 2nd Fairy Queen, 3rd, Carnival Queen; Visiting Queen: 1st Rose Queen, 2nd Gipsy Queen, 3rd Ivy Queen; Novelty: 1st Mariokart; Queens and Karts: 1st Flimby Retiring Queen; Pram or Bike: 1st Game of Thrones; 2nd Royal Mail; Child Group: 1st Flimby School, 2nd Flimby Girls’ Brigade, 3rd Netherhall rugby girls; Child Pedestrian: 1st the Hungry Caterpillar; Adult Group: 1st Old Spice; Mixed Group: 1st Snow White, 2nd How The Grinch Stole Christmas.

Best crowd pleaser: Snow White; Best Child: Postman Pat; Endeavour Award: Flimby School; Spirit of the Carnival: Hagrid; Overall float: Prince and Princess; Best Entertainment: Flimby School.