Eastleigh Carnival

The Association entered a float into the Eastleigh Carnival in 2003 and 2004, with a wheelbarrow procession instead of a float in 2005.

In 2003 our Carnival Float won 2nd prize in the Ivill Cup category.   Our theme was 'Dig for Victory' and portrayed allotments over the period 1943-2003.  

In 2004 our Carnival Float won 1st prize in the Ivill Cup category.  Our theme was entitled 'Plot to Plate’, which helped to raise awareness about the importance of allotment gardening as a local and sustainable source of fresh and healthy vegetables.

In 2005 our Carnival entry comprised nine wheel barrows of produce wheeled around the town.  This proved popular with both the judges, who awarded us the first prize for walking groups of the Lorraine Trail Cup, and with the public.  Some of our collecting boxes for the Mayor’s appeal were overflowing before the route was completed.  About 15 plot-holders and family members supported the event and greatly enjoyed the carnival atmosphere and beautiful weather.

The Association's involvement in this famous Eastleigh annual event has helped to raise awareness about allotment issues as well as helping to raise funds by collecting money from the crowds of Eastleigh residents and onlookers as the Grand Carnival Parade winds its way through Eastleigh.  These funds are donated to the Mayor's appeal, charities and other worthy causes selected from applications made to the Eastleigh Carnival Association.  In 2005 £2,000 from this fund raising event went to the Rainbow Trust, with the main charity for 2007 being 'Simon Says', a charity set up to help children that have bereavements.  For more information about the Carnival visit www.ecass.org 

In 2006 our Carnival entry was in the form of a large hand-pulled model articulated lorry carrying 24 boxes of produce.  This innovative float design was part sponsored by the National Society for Allotment and Leisure Gardeners and won us a second prize.  We collected more than 12 collecting tins of coins for charity.