Belinda Bennett provides a round-up of South West illuminated carnivals
WHEN my eyes lock on the most colourful of our carnival contenders, I feel a rush. I also feel a pang of jealousy. In my heart of hearts, I don't want to be standing in the crowds, a mere bystander, I want to be up there, on a float, being part of the action. They all laughed at Honiton and District Carnival's sponsors' night when I confided all, but I truly have dreamt of appearing out of the night on a trapeze - swinging on a string of lights. A sight for sore eyes! Truth is, I've had my chance. Well, sort of... After five or six years on duty as road crew, I was destined for a starring role on this year's East Devon circuit. It's true! I was to be a Pink Lady. The wig (pink, of course) and outfit were in my eager hands. All I had to do was put them on and learn a dance routine. Sounds simple, doesn't it? The fancy dress was perfect. With a LOT of make-up, I doubted anyone would recognise me. I could really let myself go in the name of carnival. I came a cropper when I attempted the dance routine. Someone 30 years younger (who obviously doesn't smoke) had put it together, and I wasn't sure I'd have the stamina to carry it off along an entire route. Points mean prizes, you understand. I didn't want to be a let-down. Plus, my daughter said I looked stupid. In all of about 30 seconds, I came to the conclusion that I'm probably best off in my tried and tested place - in the street, keeping the public safe and carnival alive, wearing a fluorescent jacket. I don't regret my snap decision. A couple of years ago, I was a prize-winning walking entry at Newton Poppleford. I kid you not. I was Spirit of the Sun and I even managed to beat one of the Tuttys! It was a one off, though. I made the outfit in two days (and nights), inspired by the Millers, Elswoods and Males, all from Ilminster, but felt a bit red-faced under my gold paint as I passed dozens of people I know - including a neighbour, who's a member of a club from Colyton, and a former boss. I'm not cut out for the bright lights, I've decided. Best I stay in the shadows.
WHEN my eyes lock on the most colourful of our carnival contenders, I feel a rush.
I also feel a pang of jealousy. In my heart of hearts, I don't want to be standing in the crowds, a mere bystander, I want to be up there, on a float, being part of the action.
They all laughed at Honiton and District Carnival's sponsors' night when I confided all, but I truly have dreamt of appearing out of the night on a trapeze - swinging on a string of lights. A sight for sore eyes!
Truth is, I've had my chance. Well, sort of...
After five or six years on duty as road crew, I was destined for a starring role on this year's East Devon circuit.
It's true! I was to be a Pink Lady.
The wig (pink, of course) and outfit were in my eager hands. All I had to do was put them on and learn a dance routine.
Sounds simple, doesn't it?
The fancy dress was perfect. With a LOT of make-up, I doubted anyone would recognise me. I could really let myself go in the name of carnival.
I came a cropper when I attempted the dance routine. Someone 30 years younger (who obviously doesn't smoke) had put it together, and I wasn't sure I'd have the stamina to carry it off along an entire route. Points mean prizes, you understand. I didn't want to be a let-down.
Plus, my daughter said I looked stupid.
In all of about 30 seconds, I came to the conclusion that I'm probably best off in my tried and tested place - in the street, keeping the public safe and carnival alive, wearing a fluorescent jacket.
I don't regret my snap decision.
A couple of years ago, I was a prize-winning walking entry at Newton Poppleford.
I kid you not. I was Spirit of the Sun and I even managed to beat one of the Tuttys!
It was a one off, though. I made the outfit in two days (and nights), inspired by the Millers, Elswoods and Males, all from Ilminster, but felt a bit red-faced under my gold paint as I passed dozens of people I know - including a neighbour, who's a member of a club from Colyton, and a former boss.
I'm not cut out for the bright lights, I've decided.
Best I stay in the shadows.