PORTISHEAD residents arrived in droves to support the town’s annual carnival.

Despite several downpours, in true Portishead style, thousands of people flocked to support the annual event.

The weekend kicked off on Friday evening with a breathtaking aerobatics display by the Red Arrows over the channel.

On Saturday, hundreds of people took part in the street parade which saw 40 entries including larger than life floats, imaginative walking parties, motorbikes and animals clubs. Masses lined the streets to cheer on the vibrant procession as it made its way through the town.

St Joseph’s Primary School was named supreme champion with its entry The Plight of the Bumble Bee. The school also picked up awards for best school and best community float. St Peter’s Primary School was named first in the topical category and the best walking party, celebrating Charles Dickens. Future Mastics took first place in both the trade and humorous sections. Best pub went to The Phoenix Bar. 2496 Squadron Air Cadets were voted best youth group and Gordano Valley Gardeners picked up the award for best small group.

Even in heavy showers, fun fair rides, stalls and refreshment stands were buzzing with customers on the carnival field.

Crowds stayed throughout the afternoon, dancing to live music by ADHD, The Wurzels and Gandalf Murphy and the Slambovian Circus of Dreams.

To round the day off, big party band Souled Out played to almost 200 revellers at the carnival after party at Somerset Hall.

* For more pictures click on the link at the top of this story.

Carnival results:

Supreme Champions

St Joseph’s Primary School - Plight of the Bumble Bee

Community

1st St Joseph’s Primary School - Plight of the Bumble Bee

2nd - Best Behaved Dog Training School - Blooming Dogs

3rd - Gordano Valley Church - Alice in Wonderland Jubilee Party

Public House/Social Club

1st Phoenix Bar – Shrek

2nd Portishead Town FC – Celebrating 10 years with Wendy and Jemma

3rd Portishead Workingmen’s Club – The Red Barrows

Youth Organisation

1st 2494 Squadron Air Cadets – 2492 Squadron Air Cadets

2nd Portishead Primary School – Portishead Primary Toy Shop

3rd Portishead Youth Centre – Hip Hop Family

Topical

1st St Peter’s Primary School – Charles Dickens 2012

2nd Portishead Workingmen’s Club – The Red barrows

3rd Portishead Lifeboat- The Bath Tub

Humorous

1st Future Mastics – The Mr Men Jubilee Party

2nd The Phoenix Bar – Shrek

3rd The Osment Family – A Kind of Magic

Walking/Mounted

1st St Peter’s School – Charles Dickens 2012

2nd Portishead Players – The Red Sparrows

3rd Harbourside WI Not Just Jam and Jerusalem

Trade

1st Future Mastics – The Mr Men Jubilee Party

2nd Co-Op – From Farm to Fork

3rd Gordano Valley Gardeners – Gordano Valley Gardeners

Children’s School

1st St Joseph’s Primary School - Plight of the Bumble Bee

2nd High Down Junior School – Ancient Cool (Egyptian)

3rd – High Down Infant School – Smurfing Around

Individual/Small

1st Gordano Valley Gardeners – Gordano Valley Gardeners