AS CARNIVAL fever grips Bishopstoke this weekend, we take a look back at one of the fun-packed events from the past.

It was the first carnival the village had staged since 1958, and was a week long series of events, culminating in a grand carnival procession on September 14, 1997.

The previous day saw the villagers turning the clock back by 85 years, staging a display of floats in the River Itchen at Riverside.

Over the Saturday and Sunday numerous arena events were held at the quarry in Church Road, including a classic car display and a sell-out barn dance.

The idea behind the revival was to restore the ancient village’s sense of identity – and the enthusiasm and support from locals left carnival chairman Barbara West amazed and delighted.

“I’m gobsmacked over the way people have come on board to enjoy all these events. Young, old, middle-aged, the infirm and the blind have all turned out, and I can only thank the villagers for making it such a success”

ON THIS DAY…

A first class stamp cost 26p.

Be Here Now from Oasis was the best selling album.

Something About the Way You Look/Candle in the Wind by Elton John was at number one.

Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier was the New York Times best selling book.

People may have been watching Chalk on TV.

Gamers may have been playing GoldenEye.

Top of the box office was Air Force One.