ANDOVER'S popular carnival has raised a record amount of money for two deserving charities this year.

The town's popular carnival which brings together families and the community for a day of fun and festivities returned on Sunday, July 16.

All the fun in Vigo Park started at 12pm with acts taking to the stage, surrounded by food caterers, stalls, face painters, a teddy tombola, circus workshops and a fun fair running throughout the day.

As well as this InAndover from the Andover BID brought the carnival spirit to the heart of the High Street, transforming it into a carnival wonderland.

Residents enjoyed live music, dance performances, choirs, and solo musicians and watched more than 25 groups participate in a procession that travelled from Weyhill Road to Vigo Park.

READ MORE: Andover Carnival: Video shows the fun and festivities

This year’s event came to an end when cheques worth £5,000 were awarded to charities Koala and Me & My Dad Club, setting a new fundraising record.

Carnival chair Kevin Rush said: "We here at the committee were ecstatic with the turnout on carnival day. Andover literally came out in its thousands, ignored the weather forecasts, and made this year's event one of the biggest in recent history.

"This was even more evident by the record haul of pennies collected meaning got to give a record £5,000 split between our two charities, Koala and Me and My Dad Club. Plans have already started for an even bigger and better Carnival Day on Sunday 21st July 2024."

Koala is known for its work with children and young adults who are autistic/ADHD, neurodivergent or have learning disabilities

Me & My Dad Club is known for supporting fathers who may be facing personal challenges.