THE creativity of Old Basing came to the fore at its annual carnival on Saturday.

The Old Basing Carnival launched with the traditional procession featuring outfits based on this year’s theme of book titles.

Designs were inspired by the Mr Men series, Harry Potter, St Trinian’s, the Wizard of Oz, Peter Pan and even a children’s dictionary.

But the Viner Cup, for the overall winner, and the £100 prize, went to Linguatastic Language School with its Willy Wonka-themed float.

The procession was led by the Basingstoke Tappers, the Old Basing and District Royal British Legion and, in vintage cars, carnival royals: princess Lucy O’Neill and her attendant and deputy is Amy Connor; with prince Daniel Kean and his escort and deputy John Love.

It was a double dose of joy for Lucy as she was the winner of the children’s category of the scarecrow competition for her Rapunzel creation.

Meanwhile, the prize for the grown-ups competition went to a pair of neighbours in Byfleet Avenue for their First World War-inspired design.

The pair opted to donate their £25 prize to the Poppy Appeal.

There was also plenty of fun at the carnival held in the Recreation Ground, officially opened by chairman of Hampshire County Council, Councillor Elaine Still.

The event arena featured shows from the Lisa Jane School of Dance, pirate-era battle re-enactments and a tug-of-war contest in which The Crown pub team regained their title.

Other attractions included car displays, visits by fire engines and police cars and a wide range of stalls.

Joe Croombs, chair of the carnival organising committee, said: “It is such a massive community event and it is great to see kids of all ages having fun.”

“We had volunteers from Old Basing Cricket Club and Basingstoke Shed down the night before to help which was absolutely amazing. We cannot thank people enough for their support.”

Looking ahead, carnival organisers are already building up to 2020 as it marks the 50th anniversary of the event. The theme will be 50 Glorious Years, Anything Goes.

Chair of the carnival organising committee Joe Croombs said: “We are inviting all of the previous royal parties down and so want to get as many as we possibly can.”

To get in touch as previous royal or to join the committee, email oldbasingcarnival@outlook.com. or go to facebook.com/OldBasingCarnival.