BRIGHTLY-lit floats brightened the autumn darkness in Shaftesbury on Saturday with one of the first illuminated processions of the carnival season.

Sixty floats were cheered on through the narrow streets of the historic town, with entrants travelling from surrounding counties for one of the big events of the prestigious Wessex Grand Prix Circuit.

Shaftesbury carnival chairman, Ray Humphries, said Shastonians were justly proud of their 132-year carnival tradition.

Energetic dance routines helped the silver-suited and blue-haired members of the 1st Shaftesbury Scouts and Kiplings’ Juvenile Carnival Club keep out the chill on their giant “Frosty Jack” float.

A huge snowflake, a life-sized polar bear, and white wolves were among the striking Arctic features on a float on which work had begun in the icy temperatures of February.

Regal elegance came courtesy of the carnival procession’s “royalty”, surrounded by their elegantly robed attendants.

Carnival queen, Toni Haime, posed in a giant slipper mounted on a chequer-board floor, while princess Sophie Mutton sat demurely on a throne at the rear of the royal float.

North Dorset clubs contributed some of the biggest entries, including the “Disturbia” float of Gillingham’s Hot Rock carnival club, whose modern take on Halloween was inspired by the hit song.

Bourton’s Allsorts Carnival Club unveiled a gothic theme on their giant “Midnight Thunder” float with 20 tiny ghouls performing in front of a giant clock, bells, and gargoyles.

The procession passed the front door of Bell Street resident, Bill Glazer, 87, who has lived in the town for 82 years. Son, Graham, said the carnival brought Shastonians back to their hometown every year.

Rev Anne Heywood from the Shaston team ministry, and her faithful “labradoodle”, Holly, collected for the carnival’s charities – Little Giants, the Shaftesbury Youth Club, and the Shaftesbury and District Girl Guides.

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