SWANAGE Carnival has celebrated another successful year – giving away £25,600 to 25 chosen charities.

The money was announced during the committee’s presentation evening.

This year’s event, which saw the welcome return of the Red Arrows to the skies over Swanage Bay, was affected by some extreme weather conditions.

But despite the gale force winds and torrential rain, tens of thousands of revellers flocked to the Victorian seaside town for what is one of the biggest events of its kind in the south.

Swanage Carnival Chairman Becky Mack said: “Carnival week 2017 was very challenging due to the weather and put the committee and friends of carnival under a lot of pressure to change things at the last minute, having to weather proof our venues, reschedule events and respond to thousands of enquiries regarding the various event changes.

“However, this only served to bring everyone together and bolster our enthusiasm to make the week better than ever. I cannot thank everyone enough.”

During the committee’s November AGM, a new chairman, Maria Foot, and vice chairman, Darren Strong, were announced for Swanage Carnival 2018.

Maria said: “I have been vice chairperson for the last three years and am really looking forward to taking on the challenge of leading the carnival into 2018.”

During this year’s carnival week more than 100 events took place across the town – with the 2017 carnival procession theme as ‘Swanage goes Global’ this year.

Charities for 2017 included the Swanage Area Dementia Friendly Community, Forest Holme Hospice, Swanage Stroke Club and the Swanage Community Defibrillator Partnership.