Pictures: Barnstaple Carnival entrants gather before devastating washout

There was heart break for hundreds of Barnstaple Carnival participants on Saturday as extreme weather forced organisers to cancel the parade in the last hour before it was about to set off.

Floats, walkers and bands were all but ready to move off from their positions on Taw Vale but terrific wind gusts and torrential rain were causing serious issues and the event was cancelled due to fears for the safety of the participants.

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On the Strand, where musicians had been playing moments before, their gazebos took off into the wind, with expensive sound equipment soaked and volunteers rushing in to catch the wreckage before it caused injury.

Above: Volunteers rush to help as the gazebos the musicians were in take off dangerously, leaving all their sound equipment left soaked. Credit: Simon Ellery

In a statement on Sunday, the carnival committee said: “Yesterday’s cancellation was never an easy decision and certainly not one we took lightly. The welfare of everyone involved always comes first, and the team who spent so long organising the carnival made the call with everyone’s safety in mind.

“A huge thank you to all the volunteers who dedicated their time to make this event truly amazing. Without you, we couldn’t have even begun to create what we did, regardless of the outcome.

Above: Summer days… the Grease crew put a brave face on the terrible weather. Credit: Simon Ellery 

“And of course, a heartfelt thank you to all the stallholders, sponsors, and those who signed up for the procession. We know it was disappointing for all of you, and we truly appreciate your understanding.

“As much as we’d love to reschedule the event for another time this year, sadly, due to the costs involved and the unrecoupable expenses, we’re unable to do so. But please come back next year - it’ll be bigger, better, and let’s all pray for sunshine!”

The scheduled fireworks were also cancelled, though Barnstaple Fair itself continued until the end of Saturday evening following a four day stint at its new site on Seven Brethren.

Above: People enjoyed all the fun of Barnstaple Fair despite some weather interludes over the past few days. Credit: Simon Ellery

The town’s fair officially opened on Wednesday, September 17, with the traditional ceremony at the Guildhall, a fair lunch for VIPs inside the Pannier Market and then all dignitaries headed to the fair.

Above: Barnstaple town clerk Rob Ward reads the fair proclamation. Credit: Simon Ellery

On Thursday, the Showman’s Guild which runs the fair opened it up to people with special needs and disabilities for a private visit, as they do every year.

They are given private access to the rides, which are adapted to be quieter and more comfortable for different sensory needs.

Rotary Barnstaple Link supported by volunteering and donating free meals to the visitors.

**** See more pictures in our gallery above, courtesy of Simon Ellery ****