THE countdown is on for Liphook’s biggest autumn fundraising event – the annual Carnival, which is due to take place tomorrow (Saturday) – the night the clocks go back.

New Carnival committee chairman Sally Cameron told The Herald: “I am very much looking forward to another fantastic Liphook Carnival, my first as chairman.

“I want to thank our supporters, with Old Thorns Manor Hotel sponsoring our ever popular Bonfire and Firework display in Radford Park, while Barons of Hindhead and Taylor Wimpey have again been very generous with their sponsorship.

“We welcome two new sponsors this year – Bramshott Grange Nursing Home and Amesbury School, whose head has kindly agreed to be one of our judges as well.

“In addition, we have also received sponsorship from many small local businesses in Liphook and Wey Hill, which are listed on our website, and without them all the Carnival would be impossible to stage.

“This year we are paying tribute to Den Osman, who passed away earlier this year and who took part in the Carnival for 66 years, starting at the tender age of three.

“His widow will receive a certificate and we will light fireworks as a tribute to a man who attended the procession in his fire engine for many years.”

The day starts at 11am with the children’s fancy dress competition at Liphook Junior School, with entertainment by Mr Giant.

Two Steel Pan workshops are beind held at Bohunt School between 2.15pm and 3.45pm – tickets are still available.

An all-day cafe will be run by Barbara Frost and her team at the school, starting at 3pm, serving a selection of sandwiches, homemade cakes and hot beverages.

Sally added: “The great news is Liphook Junior School, along with the British Legion will be entering a float to commemorate 100 years since the end of the First World War as well as marking women’s right to vote.

“Children will be singing songs which they have performed on Canada Day as well as during their special visit to the Canadian Embassy in London this summer.”

The Harley Davidson Chapter will also be making an appearance for the first time, a special treat for motorbike enthusiasts, with some members of the Chapter living in the area.

Carnival participants with floats, Pull and Push and in adult fancy dress are due to assemble in Longmoor Road by 5.30pm for the judging for cups and prizes, and the entertainment in The Square kicks off with the Pan Nation Steel Band at 6.15pm.

This year’s Carnival Queen, Megan Shepherd, will be crowned in The Square at 6.45pm, before the procession moves off.

She will be accompanied on the Royal float by the Carnival Princess, Cassandra Harris-Dibben and for the first time a Carnival Prince, Camron Wilson, as well as attendants Amy Wright and Rose Salmon.

The evening concludes with the fireworks and bonire at Radford Park, which starts at 8.30pm.

The favourite watering hole for Carnival revellers, The Royal Anchor pub, will be closed for refurbishment on the night, but both the L&S Cafe and the Lazy Lizard in The Square will be serving food and refreshments, while the Methodist Church, on London Road, will offer hot soup for a donation.

All monies raised on the evening goes to local organisations and clubs.

Travel restrictions and road closures will be published in The Herald next week.