HEDGE End was dipped in colour over the weekend as the town’s carnival made a comeback after a two-year absence.

The Hedge End Carnival was back with a bang on Saturday to celebrate its centenary – a year later than planned due to Covid.

Daily Echo: Hedge End Carnival returned after two years away due to Covid on July 2Hedge End Carnival returned after two years away due to Covid on July 2 (Image: Newsquest)

Elaborately decorated floats and enthusiastic participants dressed in an array of costumes paraded through the town to the cheers of excited onlookers.

'Lovely to be back'

Organiser Chloe McKell said: “2019 was the last carnival and this is the first one with the new committee.

Daily Echo: Hedge End Carnival returned after two years away due to Covid on July 2Hedge End Carnival returned after two years away due to Covid on July 2

“Last year was our centenary and a new group of us stepped up to get the carnival going this year.

“We have done quite a lot of different things. The procession shows off some of the lovely organisations and groups we have in Hedge End.

"I'm really proud of everything we have achieved today and even more proud to be part of this amazing community."

Daily Echo: Hedge End Carnival returned after two years away due to Covid on July 2Hedge End Carnival returned after two years away due to Covid on July 2

Treasurer Michelle Musk said: "It was very emotional to see so many people back supporting Hedge End Carnival and supporting local schools, clubs, and Hedge End Town FC, who won back-to-back football leagues.

"The atmosphere was amazing.

"We had some brilliant acts in Greta Park and the finale was The Tigers Motorcycle Display Team who are brilliant motorcycle riders."

'Hedge End comes together' 

The vibrant procession went down St John's Road, through Freegrounds Avenue, into Sherbourne Way then Hobb Lane, followed by Lower Northam Road before finishing at Greta Park in Upper Northam Road.

Daily Echo: Hedge End Carnival returned after two years away due to Covid on July 2Hedge End Carnival returned after two years away due to Covid on July 2

Local groups and organisations took part in the procession, showcasing their members’ talents.

Greta Park was home to a jam-packed fairground full of rides for thrill-seekers and a variety of stalls.

Hedge End resident Karen Massey said it’s “really great” to see the return of the carnival.

Daily Echo: Hedge End Carnival returned after two years away due to Covid on July 2Hedge End Carnival returned after two years away due to Covid on July 2

The 49-year-old said: “It’s nice that the community came together to put an event like this on.

“I do like when Hedge End comes together. We are all busy people so it’s nice when we can do something together.

“The carnival is fun and it’s lovely to see all the kids from the pre-school take part, and it was fun being squirted by the kids with a water pistol too.”

Daily Echo: Hedge End Carnival returned after two years away due to Covid on July 2Hedge End Carnival returned after two years away due to Covid on July 2

Another attendee, who did not want to be named, said: "There is a great atmosphere and it is good the carnival has returned for another year."

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