TV archive

Even the magic of Snow White wasn't powerful enough to eventually prevent the demise of Bristol's city centre carnival.

In 1987, the sight of three abseiling dwarves along with Snow White scaling the face of Avon House heralded the start of the eighth Bristol Carnival and Points West's Beverley Thompson was on hand to report on the spectacle.

Part of Beverley Thompson's report includes an interview with the late Caron Keating, who in 1987, was enjoying the limelight as a Blue Peter presenter.

Caron Keating

Caron had been invited to switch on Bristol's Christmas lights and start the procession as part of her role as Snow White in the Hippodrome's pantomime production.

Joining her fellow actors, she accompanied three of her seven dwarves in abseiling 200 feet down the front of Avon House.

The number of floats in 1987 was down on the previous year, organisers blamed rising costs.

However, they remained confident of raising a substantial amount for the Bristol Children's Hospital - to buy equipment to help children with breathing difficulties.

Clifton Bridge fireworks: 1988

Sadly, the Bristol Carnival was to fall victim to a lack of entrants and ever-increasing pressure from health and safety legislation and the 1987 event was one of the last occasions.

We've also included a second film, which comes from the following year when Clifton Suspension Bridge became the focus for a magnificent firework display - the like of which hasn't been seen since!

Click on the 'Play archive film' link at the top of the right hand side box.

MORE FILMS FROM POINTS WEST

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