Sun kissed carnival week a huge success

Wall to wall sunshine and soaring temperatures helped ensure Lyme Regis Regatta and Carnival Week was a huge success with £15,000 raised for local good causes.

Following a joint firework display with Lyme Regis RNLI, the week kicked off with a Torchlight Procession which saw hundreds of torchbearers make (descend) their way through Langmoor and Lister Gardens on to the sandy beach where a giant circle of light was formed.

A week of events followed including old favourites Welly Wanging, Egg Catching, a Dog Show, Candles Down the River, Duck Race, Beach Treasure Hunt, a Junior Town Crier Competition, Top Bins Football Challenge, Pavement Art plus new events including Open Mic, Wacky Wheelbarrow Race and Disco at the Marine before the Grand Carnival Procession on Saturday.

Organiser Rob James said: “The week was a stunning success, and we could not have wished for better weather. From the amazing sight of hundreds of torchbearers at the start of the week, to seeing so many enjoying themselves at the disco and the brilliant atmosphere in town for the procession. We are grateful for the enormous amount of positive feedback we have received, and we are delighted to have raised more money than last year which will be distributed to local good causes”.

Chairman of the Regatta and Carnival team, Alan Vian, added, “I would like to say a massive thank you to all the wonderful volunteers who came along to help, without volunteers Carnival Week would not happen. I’d like to mention Lynnette Ravenscroft in particular for running the carnival kiosk so superbly and our youngest team member Jacob Denning who was ever present throughout the week plus Joshua Denning for his usual collecting heroics. 

“It was wonderful to see so many local organisations participate in the procession, making it a real celebration of Lyme Regis.
“I’d like to thank our primary sponsors Lyme Bay Holidays and Toad Hall Cottages plus all the other wonderful local businesses who supported carnival this year.

“Thinking ahead to next year, we’re actively looking for new people to join our team, so whether you can offer us a few hours of your time or would like to be involved throughout the week, please get in touch via our website or social media.”

Next year, Lyme Regis Regatta and Carnival Week will take place from Saturday, August 5 to Saturday, August 12.

Lyme Regis Regatta & Carnival Week Team 2022:
Alan Vian (Chairman), Rob James, Karen Skardon James, Annette Denning, Jacob Denning, Joshua Denning, Lynnette Ravenscroft, Jo Whetlor, Angela Main & Anita Williams.