Belinda Bennett provides a round-up of South West illuminated carnivals
AN East Devon entry came away victorious after impressing judges at Wellington Carnival, the traditional curtain call for the South Somerset circuit. Providing a spectacular run-up to the Guy Fawkes carnivals, which include Bridgwater, South Somerset is renowned as a breeding ground for top class carnival contenders, many from Chard and Ilminster. Adding to the glitz of Wellington Carnival were homegrown glory-seekers from East Devon, including entries from Phoenix CC, of Broadclyst, and Tango JCC, of Sidmouth. Phoenix glided through the night with its awe-inspiring Dragonia. Set against a backdrop of sparkling white lights, its fur-trimmed warriors gave it their all - much to the crowd’s appreciation. After gaining first prize in the feature class at Sidmouth, Phoenix triumphed with Best Overall at Wellington, a superb achievement. The club also took the Porter and Fry Cup in the feature class, notching up a notable win against the mighty Harlequin CC from Ilminster, on the road this year with Disco Mania. Tango JCC delighted with Abracadabra. It’s a brave thing for East Devon contenders to try their luck on the South Somerset circuit, but this is another entry that makes the grade. Tango took third prize in the youth class. Poppe Inn CC, of Tatworth, was awarded the Spirit of Carnival Vase for Pull The Udder One. The entry took third in the comic class. Wellington Carnival started practically on the dot, three minutes after 7.30pm. A marshal supplied by Honiton and District Carnival received a truly warm and friendly welcome. There was an unavoidable hiccup towards the very end of the carnival, when a float member was taken ill and required an ambulance. Crowds thought the carnival had ended and started to disperse when marshals were called upon to clear roads. Wellington Scouts and the Harlequins, among a few others, were still waiting to come through. North Petherton triumphed in the marshalling stakes, supplying the largest number of helpers. Taunton also contributed, along with Wellington Rotary Club. On the same night, last Saturday, Honiton was further represented at Newton Poppleford Carnival, entering a float and road crew, and also held a qualifying round for its skittles competition at Honiton Conservative Club - so committee members were spread far and wide in a bid to promote the spirit of carnival. Many carnivals, including Honiton, struggle to find enough marshals. Marshals are particularly needed in Honiton for October 27 and December 15. Call carnival chairman Bill Austin on (01404) 42254 if you can help. Local organisations welcome. Best wishes to Jo Chave, chairman of Wellington Carnival, who delivered a brilliant night.
AN East Devon entry came away victorious after impressing judges at Wellington Carnival, the traditional curtain call for the South Somerset circuit.
Providing a spectacular run-up to the Guy Fawkes carnivals, which include Bridgwater, South Somerset is renowned as a breeding ground for top class carnival contenders, many from Chard and Ilminster.
Adding to the glitz of Wellington Carnival were homegrown glory-seekers from East Devon, including entries from Phoenix CC, of Broadclyst, and Tango JCC, of Sidmouth.
Phoenix glided through the night with its awe-inspiring Dragonia.
Set against a backdrop of sparkling white lights, its fur-trimmed warriors gave it their all - much to the crowd’s appreciation.
After gaining first prize in the feature class at Sidmouth, Phoenix triumphed with Best Overall at Wellington, a superb achievement.
The club also took the Porter and Fry Cup in the feature class, notching up a notable win against the mighty Harlequin CC from Ilminster, on the road this year with Disco Mania.
Tango JCC delighted with Abracadabra. It’s a brave thing for East Devon contenders to try their luck on the South Somerset circuit, but this is another entry that makes the grade.
Tango took third prize in the youth class.
Poppe Inn CC, of Tatworth, was awarded the Spirit of Carnival Vase for Pull The Udder One.
The entry took third in the comic class.
Wellington Carnival started practically on the dot, three minutes after 7.30pm.
A marshal supplied by Honiton and District Carnival received a truly warm and friendly welcome.
There was an unavoidable hiccup towards the very end of the carnival, when a float member was taken ill and required an ambulance. Crowds thought the carnival had ended and started to disperse when marshals were called upon to clear roads. Wellington Scouts and the Harlequins, among a few others, were still waiting to come through.
North Petherton triumphed in the marshalling stakes, supplying the largest number of helpers. Taunton also contributed, along with Wellington Rotary Club.
On the same night, last Saturday, Honiton was further represented at Newton Poppleford Carnival, entering a float and road crew, and also held a qualifying round for its skittles competition at Honiton Conservative Club - so committee members were spread far and wide in a bid to promote the spirit of carnival.
Many carnivals, including Honiton, struggle to find enough marshals. Marshals are particularly needed in Honiton for October 27 and December 15. Call carnival chairman Bill Austin on (01404) 42254 if you can help. Local organisations welcome.
Best wishes to Jo Chave, chairman of Wellington Carnival, who delivered a brilliant night.