IT WAS the first wet West End carnival in 20 years - but it was by no means a washout.
Hundreds of people braved the drizzly conditions and turned out for the annual parade through West End village on Saturday.
The carnival showband, all in colourful rabbit costumes, led the 200-strong parade of school pupils, rainbow Guides, tots and music groups.
It was sport that was the dominant theme of the day, as scores of miniature England football fans marched by to the Vindaloo terrace anthem.
A Wimbledon float, complete with strawberries and cream and a Pimms tent, backed Tim Henman as championship winner, and West End Pre-school parents and tots transformed themselves into a range of Olympic competitors with everything from rowing to showjumping represented.
Pupils from St James School even continued the sporting theme with a float decked out as a Highland games arena, with kilted children brandishing mini cabers.
The procession wound its way along the High Street, into St James Road and eventually on to Hatch Grange, where more than 40 stalls and fair games were set up for visitors.
Motorbike display team The Tigers performed their daredevil stunts in the main arena and the Ramsay Caledonia pipe band, from Hamble, also entertained the damp crowd - and helped make up for the miserable weather.
Eric Turnham, vice-chairman of the West End carnival association, said: "This is the first time it's rained in 20 years for carnival day, and it's made a big difference to the turnout.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article