Brighton children take to streets for Woodingdean Carnival parade

Colourful costumes brightened the roads as the Woodingdean Carnival parade began in Woodingdean Central Park and made its way to the primary school on Saturday for an afternoon of festivities.

Groups from local schools, nurseries and community groups walked and danced their way between the two, marshalled by the Woodingdean Neighbourhood Watch with support from the police.

The Mayor Councillor Mohammend Asaduzzaman got involved in the games (Image: Woodingdean Carnival)

The parade arrived at the field just before 11am to be welcomed by the Mayor of Brighton and Hove, Councillor Mohammed Asaduzzaman, who officially opened carnival 2024.

The winner of the carnival parade best entry competition was Rudyard Kipling Primary School with a colourful mythical "merbird".

The school field was filled with more than 50 stalls providing fun activities run by local businesses, charities and organisations.

The licensed carnival bar was also a hit with visitors. Attractions for children included a teacup carousel, traditional Punch and Judy, and face painting.

The Punch and Judy show had children laughing (Image: Woodingdean Carnival)

Alix Macfarlane, who chairs Woodingdean Carnival, said: “Thank you to everyone who supported the event in so many ways. Woodingdean Carnival is run by volunteers for the community and it is always a proud moment to see the field fill up on carnival morning after many months of preparation.

“All the stall holders and activity providers had a great attitude to the weather, it felt like we saw three seasons in one day before the sunshine arrived. And we couldn’t have done it without the generous support of our local businesses. A good time was had by all and plans are already under way for next year.”

Stalls sold cakes, curry dishes, fresh fruit and there was a café in the community centre next to the field.

Carnival goers enjoyed the tea cup carousel (Image: Woodingdean Carnival)

Throughout the day, local acts showcased their skills in a performance arena in the centre of the carnival. Performances featured dance, music and singing and fitness demonstrations from local groups including Brighton School of Singing.

The weather added to the experience with a heavy rain shower and high winds at the start of the day proving a challenge before the sun came out in the afternoon.

Firefighters from East Sussex Fire and Rescue Roedean Community Fire Station also went along to talk to the crowds and show children around their engine.