THOUSANDS turned out for a day of entertainment at the annual Hove Carnival.

There was something for everyone with rides, entertainment and food to raise money for The Martlets hospice.

The gloomy weather threatened to put a dampener on proceedings but Hove’s residents came out in force.

Brighton and Hove’s newly-elected mayor, Mo Marsh, was one of many enjoying herself.

She said: “The Martlets is one of my famous five charities. The care it gives to people at the end of their lives is just exceptional.”

Cllr Marsh was elected mayor earlier this month and this was her first time at the carnival.

She said: “It is great to see everyone out here enjoying themselves and making the most of today.”

Entertainment ranged from horse riding to BMXing and there was a variety of stalls scattered across the park.

Joyce Herriott having a day out with her grandchildren Kimberley, Rebecca and William.

Joyce, from Brighton, said: “We came last year and although the weather hasn’t been great, the atmosphere is just as good.

“Seeing the smiles on my grandchildren’s faces when they win a prize just makes it for me.”

Emma Preston came with her eight-year-old son Roland, who was enjoying the water orbs in the funfair section of the carnival.

Emma, from Hove, said: “It is a really nice feeling raising money for charity and also making use of the park.

“Considering the weather, it has been a great turnout.”

Roland said: “The whole thing is fun and there is a lot to do here.”

Children were unfazed by the weather as they tucked in to ice-creams and had their faces painted with bright colours.

Melody Babbage and her daughter Ayla, seven, from Hove, had matching patterns dotted across their faces as they soaked up the atmosphere.

Melody, 38, said: “We really enjoyed the horse show. Ayla found it very exciting.

“My uncle was actually looked after by The Martlets, and it is lovely to be raising money for such a great cause.”

Helping to raise money was James Wright, who works for Streamline Taxis.

James was running an electric train that took people on a tour of the park.

He said: “I am here every year and it’s always a fantastic day. Everyone has a good time and the atmosphere is lovely.”

Sally Brighton and Antonia Shepherd, from the Martlets, were the driving force behind the carnival.

Their aim for the day was to raise £9,000, with the help of sponsor car dealership Lookers.

Antonia said: “We’ve been involved in the carnival for the last five years, with all the profits going towards The Martlets.

“It is a community event and it has been for more than 40 years. We love that the community comes together to raise money and have fun while doing so.

“We have raised on average around £9,000 each year, and if we could come close to that again it would be brilliant.”

John Standing’s family refused to let the weather ruin the day as they had a picnic on the grass.

John said: “We came here to check out the stalls and entertainment and have a bite to eat.

“It will take a lot more than a bit of rain to make us pack up our stuff.”

l To to page 23 for a Hove Carnival picture special