'Bigger and better' Barnstaple carnival enjoyed by thousands

BIGGER and better than ever before; those were the words being used to describe Barnstaple s annual carnival, which took place on Saturday. Perfect late summer weather set the scene as thousands of families lined the streets to enjoy the carnival procession around the town

BIGGER and better than ever before; those were the words being used to describe Barnstaple's annual carnival, which took place on Saturday.

Perfect late summer weather set the scene as thousands of families lined the streets to enjoy the carnival procession around the town.

"We had great weather, great crowds and some absolutely fantastic entries," said carnival committee spokesperson Lesley Windsor.

"The event just keeps getting bigger and better every year and most importantly, raises thousands of pounds for charities in the town - I'm still counting the all the money donated on Saturday."

A total of 62 entries took part in this year's parade, including 18 floats pulled by articulated lorries and 28 tractor-towed floats, as well as walking characters.

Overall winner this year was the Barnstaple Town Youth Marching Band whose toy town-themed entry won the band the Percy Brend Cup.

For a full report, pictures and list of winners, read Wednesday's North Devon Gazette.

Hundreds of pictures from this year's carnival will be available to view on this website from Tuesday afternoon.