RAIN threatened to spoil Carnival Day but, despite the dreadful forecast, more than 70,000 were able to enjoy the annual Air Show in warm sunshine. Thousands lined Town Beach, standing both sides of the railway line. Windows and balconies were in demand and the ribbon of spectators wound all the way up Westcliff, with every vantage point exploited as the Red Arrows gave their stunning display of aerobatics. Rarely seen American military aircraft obliged with flypasts and Chinook helicopters did some unusual manoeuvres, defying the laws of gravity. 'The air show was brilliant. God was on our side for that one. It had the biggest crowd I have ever seen and people stayed around afterwards,' said carnival press officer, Darren Wright. The crowds lining the procession route were also the biggest he had seen, although the number of entries was down on previous years – in common with other local carnivals. 'The weather forecast was terrible. I think that local folks didn't get themselves prepared.' He said that this year has been one of the best carnivals yet, thanks to the weather which was warm and dry but not beach weather. The pram race, attracting a record 70 entries, was singled out as particularly successful. Their luck was bound to run out eventually and the promised downpours arrived on Friday. Only one event had to be cancelled – the Junior Gun Run – while the Baby Show was transferred to the marquee. Organisers won't know how much money they have raised for about a week when it's all been counted. Most of it will be ploughed back into the event, with donations being made to a handful of local charities at the end of the year.
