‘Olympic’ torch and jubilee baton boost East Preston carnival

Festival chairman Paul Amoo has taken advantage of the road closures along the procession route to stage a cycle/run/walk celebrating both of 2012’s major events, the Queen’s diamond jubilee and the Olympics.

The 25 participants will wear t-shirts in the five colours of the Olympic rings, and an Olympic torch and a diamond jubilee baton, made by craftsmen in the village, will be carried through the streets.

The jubilee and Olympics cavalcade, made even more colourful by flags from many nations, will set off shortly before the main procession leaves Vicarage Lane at about 1.15pm.

“It’s going to be fantastic,” said Paul. “I’m really looking forward to it, and Saturday is going to be a glorious day.”

From Vicarage Lane, the route takes in Sea Lane, Seaview Road, Sea Road and Lashmar Road, finishing at the far end of Lashmar Road, by the recreation ground, where a community market will be held during the afternoon and there will also be a funfair.

The four-day diamond jubilee holiday weekend may be over for the rest of the country, but there is still plenty to look forward to in East Preston over the next few days before the 31st festival draws to a close.

A fashion show by Classix of Rustington is the main attraction tonight (Friday, June 8), at the village hall, and there is musical entertainment at the hall on Saturday night when The Allsorts return to East Preston for a revue spanning the1920s, 30s and 40s.

Sunday will see the village green once again put to good use, with the festival’s fun novelty dog show, croquet, cream teas and a tent serving Pimm’s and bottled ales.