Carnival Queen turns heads in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang car
RINGWOOD Carnival Queen Abbie Wilson turned Truly Scrumptious when she rolled up at the offices of her key sponsor in a life-size replica of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
The 16-year-old, who will be the star of next month’s event, turned heads as she arrived at Ellis Jones Solicitors in the much-loved car from the 1968 hit film.
Accompanied by attendants Charlie James and Ellen Puddle, both 16, she posed for pictures at the law firm’s Southampton Road office with Managing Partner Nigel Smith and Ringwood Carnival President Michael Lingam-Willgoss.
“I’m so excited at being the Carnival Queen, especially the parade. It’s going to be a great day,” said Abbie who attends Ringwood School and is a member of Forest Forge Youth Theatre.
This year’s carnival day – the biggest event in Ringwood’s annual calendar – is on Saturday September 17 and includes an afternoon parade sponsored by Ellis Jones and an evening procession.
Free events on Carvers Playing Field include a fun fair and a grand firework display evening finale.
Michael Lingam-Willgoss thanked Ellis Jones, and other carnival sponsors, for their support and predicted a “fantastic event.”
He added: “Ringwood Carnival is a truly great community event. By supporting us so generously local firms such as Ellis Jones really cement their position at the heart of the community.”
The first Ringwood Carnival was held in 1929 with the event held every year since 1950.
Nigel Smith, Ellis Jones’ Managing Partner, said: “Ringwood Carnival is one of the area’s best-loved community events and we’re very pleased to play our part in its continuing success.”
The Chitty Chitty Bang Bang car is owned by Stuart Wallis of New Forest Metal Work and has become a familiar feature at carnivals and fetes since 2010.
It took three months for Stuart and a six strong team to turn a 1976 Land Rover into the film car using photos and measurements of a separate replica at Beaulieu Motor Museum.
The vehicle features a 1,000-watt amplifier under the bonnet and loud speakers so it can blast out hits from the film.
There are also eight sets of air horns capable of creating animal noises and police sirens.
In keeping with the special effects shown in the film, the replica has red and yellow wings attached to the sides.
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