LIPHOOK didn’t disappoint as it again provided that special carnival magic on Saturday, when regular participants and newcomers all became winners, raising more than £2,500 on the night.

Even the mild weather proved to be a winner, bringing more than 3,000 people into the village and filling up The Square to capacity, where crowds were entertained by the the Dolphin Marching Band and the Surrey Pipe Band, who have performed at the Royal Albert Hall and alongside Sir Rod Stewart.

Carnival royalty – Queen Molly Jones, accompanied by Princess Isla Armstrong and her attendants Matilda West and Mia Ataou – were cheered on, when Invictus Gold Medalist Andy Kelsey, performed the crowning ceremony in The Square.

Molly, captain of the netball team at Bohunt, is also coaching juniors at county tennis, and plays rounders and hockey for the school.

Andy told The Herald: “This was my first time at the carnival in an official capacity and I am delighted to have been given the honour of crowning Liphook’s Carnival Queen. As a child, I have been to the carnival lots of times and my parents still live in Liphook.

“Now my own family can also enjoy this wonderful community tradition and experience that special carnival magic.”

This year, The Deer’s Hut came up “trumps” in more ways than one with one of their largest and most topical floats ever – Trump Town – which won them the Challenge Cup for Best Overall as well as the trophy for the Best Pubs and Clubs entry.

A brainchild of Adrian Bird, he personified Donald Trump complete with blond wig and red baseball cap, accompanied by Brian Johnson, who celebrated his Diamond Jubilee of 60 carnival years.

The Ellis family also celebrated – four generations and 65 years of taking part in the Carnival. Russ and his wife Irene presided over more than 20 friends and family members, who made up the award-winning Liphook In Bloom float, complete with water feature and wishing well.

Another Carnival veteran of almost 30 years, Phill Goodwin and his friends, entertained the crowds by Walking the Dinosaur, helped by more than a dozen members of the Goodwin, Crook, Mason and Evans families, winning the Best on the Move trophy as well as coming second in the adult floats category.

Other long-time carnival participants of 17 years were the Twins of Liphook – Timmy and Rodney – who won third prize in the Adult Floats category with their Cops and Robbers entry.

Two trophies went to the Girl Guides for Best Illuminated and Best Children’s Float, featuring a Wizard of Oz Extravaganza, with more than 50 children taking part in the procession.

First time entry and winners of the John Carver Cup for Best Newcomers were the Trolls Club 5.15, made up of Natalie, Alex, Helen, Adam and David, who also received first prize in the Adults Push ’n’ Pull category.

The cup for Best Walkers this year went to some more newcomers, Steve and Emily Martin from Cheshire, who are related to the Ellis family, and who dazzled revellers with a twinkling Emu Race.

Second prize for the Adults Push ’n’ Pull went to Martin Budd, who entered as Mad Madge from ITV comedy Benidorm, on his mobility scooter (left), earning laughter and applause from the crowd.

Findlay’s Florists Petals, Katie, Carol, Annie. Joy, Tina and Helen, kept shaking their collection tins while spreading floral magic on the procession, winning third place in the Walkers’ category and celebrating 35 years of taking part in the carnival.

The newly-launched nine-seater Age Concern Minibus, representing Liphook Day Centre as well as the Royal British Legion and driven by Bob Hall and John Hilder, came second in the best Pubs and Clubs category.

Liphook also welcomed ‘The Herald Harem’ of Tina, Sarah, Alex and Rosie, who spread Carnival cheers, as well as Ashford Turkey Farm, owned by Alex and Simon Bridger, who also had four generations on their truck.

Other participants were Lindford Offroad, driven by Dave Mummery and Gerald and Julie Whittaker with their spaniel Montey.

The annual bonfire and the 20-minute firework spectacular display at Radford Park rounded off the evening for another year.

Local businesses also played their part. The Links Tavern provided a free barrel of beer, which Lynne and Peter Williamson offered to revellers outside their house in Longmoor Road, to raise money for the carnival.

Homes Estate Agents in The Square, one of this year’s sponsors, ran a raffle leading up the big event and announced the winners of all three top prizes on the night. Star prize was a new bike supplied by Liphook Cycles, which was won by David Brett, a hamper by the General Wine Company, won by Scott Gabler and a Carvery meal for two at Old Thorns, won by Nichola Harrison.

Helping to present trophies on the night were county councillor Floss Mitchell and newly appointed carnival president, Pat Bell, while East Hampshire district councillor Bill Mouland has pledged £1,000 grant money to facilitate building materials for floats for next year’s event.

Carnival chairman Karen Feeney said: “I was absolutely delighted with the evening – the turnout was great and the weather was perfect.

“I want to thank all volunteers and participants who helped to make this amazing event so special.

“I was so happy the community came to support the carnival and loved seeing some new entries as well as veterans. After 10 years as chairperson, I still get excited about the carnival. It is an event for the community by the community and I hope that it will continue for many more years to come.”