A HUGE cloudburst couldn't wash away the curtain raiser to Eastleigh's week-long carnival.

The heavy showers earlier predicted by weather forecasters finally arrived with a vengeance half way through the weekend baby show.

But the show went on and was a prelude to a whole week of fun culminating in a parade this Saturday. as the violent thunderstorm brought monsoon-type weather conditions to the Leigh Road Recreation Ground.

But it did not dampen the spirits of carnival organisers. As soon the angry storm passed over the carnival show, including a children's fancy dress parade, was soon back on the road.

The day began on a regal note as the 14 th Eastleigh Scout and Guide "Spitfires" Band provided a royal fanfare for the town's new carnival queen Natalie Angell and princesses Hayley Bampton and Sophie Carrott.

After a glittering bandstand crowning ceremony Queen Natalie began her rule by urging citizens to support the action packed week of carnival events. Organisers hope to beat last year's record breaking carnival collection when £6,000 was raised for local good causes.

Carnival week was also given a civic send off by the mayor Councillor Jane Welsh who pointed out that there were some places where carnivals were a thing of the past.

But she said: "Eastleigh Carnival will continue for ever."

Carnival compere Pete Harding said: "This is the last Eastleigh Carnival of the century. Let us make it a carnival to remember."

Queen Natalie's first royal engagement was to officially open the fun fair. Memories of those black clouds were soon washed away as the town's week of fun got into full swing.

See the Summer Fun supplement in tonights Daily Echo for more pictures from Eastleigh's Carnival.

Converted for the new archive on 25 January 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.