Town Turns Out in Hundreds to see Biggest and best carnival in many years

HUNDREDS of people lined the streets for this year's reborn, and revitalised Tiverton Community Carnival.

Organisers had encouraged, schools, organisations, and individuals from across the area to enter, and it proved worthwhile with over 50 groups taking part on floats, and in walking entries.

There were worries earlier in the day that it would be a washout, but thankfully the rain and winds died down for the procession which set off from Blundell's Road at 7pm, with a fire engine, and Tiverton Town Band who were fresh from appearing on BBC One South West's Children in Need programme.

Youngsters were out in abundance at the carnival, with six entries from schools, including Two Moors' mystical garden theme. Heathcoat Primary School had a walking dragon - who at some points had to be restrained from getting ahead of itself - apparently heading to Neverland. Bolham played a catchy version of Queen's hit, We Will Rock You, while St John's pupils were dressed in a colourful array of different Christmas presents.

Castle School were the winners of the best school's entry with their 'one world' theme. One of the staff from Castle shouted: "We're so excited, it's the best school in Tiverton, best teachers and headteacher, and the carnival is absolutely fabulous and great fun."

There were Brownies dressed as elves, a 'one eyed, one horned, flying purple people eater', and even a walking germ.

The Tiverton Junior Operatic Club were out dressed in shirts advertising their upcoming production of Les Miserables, and the Tiverton Signpost Club in costume, ready for their production of Cinderella.

On top of the bus judges, including reporters from the Mid Devon Gazette, joined Mayor Paul Graham and enjoyed punch and nibbles on behalf of the Mid Devon Star.

It was also a big night for Nikitta Moses,10, who was this year's carnival queen. She said: "I'm looking forward to it, I'm just a bit nervous." She was joined by Tom Jones.7, as King, and Kayleigh Goldsworthy,7, as lady in waiting.

Michelle Clarke, who organised the event for the first time this year said: "I thought it was spectacular as our leaflet said. It was one of the biggest and best carnivals we've had in Tiverton for a long time.

"A lot of hard work and effort went into this, and it's all been worthwhile. I'd like to thank everybody that helped, contributed, and made this a one off - I'd like to make it a bigger and better carnival than we've had in a long time."

Even thought hundreds of people were out and about on the night, the police didn't have any trouble whatsoever. PC Greg Hine added: "I think it's gone really well, last year was a really good one for us. We had one incident for us this year, but that was quickly resolved, and I think it's all gone quiet well.

"A lot of people have had a lot of fun - obviously there's a lot of people who are expecting fireworks like usual, but there's none this year, so we're going to go and sort that out, but other than that, it's been a really great evening."

And once again, Lew's News was out and about filming the carnival in high definition which you can watch by clicking HERE.