It was time to dress up, poke fun and get wet, wet, wet. Despite the torrential downpour, thousands of spectators, young and old, braved the rain to support this year's traditional Harwich Guy Carnival on Saturday.

After it was over, the organisers, Harwich and Dovercourt Rotary Club, thanked those who had turned out and once more demonstrated their support, whatever the conditions.

Malcolm Ablett, rotary president, declared: "Despite the appalling conditions, it was one of the best carnival atmospheres there has been.

Carnival queens - some girls dress up in 1960s style.

Paul Philo, press officer, said the magnificent turnout clearly demonstrated the once endangered carnival, which dates back 150 years, was "back for keeps.

"The support was marvellous. It was raining at the start and got worse. The rain was running down the streets in small rivers."

The street collection, mostly in aid of local charities was down at £2,168, but this will be boosted by programme sales.

For anyone unable to donate because of the rain, collecting buckets are to be left at Cutaway Haidressers in West Street, Ablett's Electronics in High Street, Homecraft in the Kingsway and Homecraft in Main Road, Dovercourt

Eleven floats and 150 collectors took to the rainsoaked streets as the traditional chance to poke fun at local politics and politicians got under way.

Under fire this year were Harwich's controversial parking charges, the proposals to build flats on Dovercourt station, the lack of a band at the launch of carnival's latest giant ferry and the bid to block the Bathside dock project by environmentalists, to name but a few.

Published Monday November 4, 2002

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