A WEEK of carnival celebrations was kicked off by a teddy bears' picnic and selection of royalty.
The gathering of furry friends and their human companions heralded the beginning of Bridport Carnival Week.
Carnival week 2024 continues until Sunday, August 18, culminating in Bridport Carnival Procession on Saturday and will be rounded off with the spectacular sight of the Torchlight Parade.
Held last Sunday, the teddy bears' picnic on the Millennium Green was the first community event of carnival week.
It also saw the crowning of Marley Franklin Jones as 2024 princess, with Immy Tattershall and Poppy Gawen as her attendants.
Bridport Mayor Anne Rickard did the honours and officially crowned the princess.
There was a good turn out of all ages as well as teddy bear competitions, which were enjoyed by both old and young.
Gill Crump of Bridport Carnival Committee said: "Everyone enjoyed the 'traditional 'games; 91 balloons were squeezed into a vintage VW Beetle car, a rat was splatted, the tombola cleared, but the most popular (addictive) game was table mountain.
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"Well done to Audrey who won the children's competition with 47 marbles, and Jane Boulay, who won the adults with 70."
"The event also enabled others to fundraise for themselves, so thanks to everyone who supported the event."
More carnival events continue throughout this coming week with a crabbing competition at West Bay at 10.45am on Sunday.
On Tuesday, August 13 at 7.30pm there will be a quiz at the Ropemakers; while on Wednesday, August 14, it's bingo night at The Beehive at Bridport Football Club. Doors open at 6.30pm and eyes down at 7.30pm.
On Friday, August 16 at 7.30pm people can take part in a darts competition at the Beehive at the football club.
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All of this leads up to a big weekend of carnival celebration in Bridport featuring live music, fireworks, a fun fair, grand procession and the much loved torchlight parade.
On Saturday, August 17, a golf competition will be held at the Bridport & West Dorset Golf Club.
Also on the Saturday the Wessex Military Band will perform in Bucky Doo Square from 10am, while on the same day the Bridport Broadsides Shanty Crew will perform from 6pm to 7pm.
Saturday culminates in Bridport Carnival Procession, which will line up at West Allington from 5.45pm and moves off at 7pm. There will be a winners' presentation at 9pm in Bucky Doo Square, followed by dancing to The Skalatans and there will also be a fun fair in West Street car park.
Residents in their hundreds will take part in the ever-popular torchlight parade on Sunday, August 18.
Torches will be on sale in Bucky Doo Square from 6.30pm and the procession moves off at 9pm.
In West Bay revellers will be able to enjoy food stalls, bars, a bonfire and dancing to Static Flight.
Fireworks will light up the sky after 10pm (weather permitting) and buses will be running from 9.15pm until midnight to return to Bridport.
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