Once upon a time at Bideford carnival...

HUGE crowds, fine weather and a host of fairy tale favourites ensured Bideford carnival had a very happy ending on Saturday. The special nursery rhymes and fairy tales theme was embraced by entrants, including East-the-Water Primary School, who thrilled c

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HUGE crowds, fine weather and a host of fairy tale favourites ensured Bideford carnival had a very happy ending on Saturday.

The special nursery rhymes and fairy tales theme was embraced by entrants, including East-the-Water Primary School, who thrilled carnival-goers with their “Shrek – The Modern Fairytale” float, which earned them the titles of Best Children’s Float and Best Float Theme.

The Best Decorated Float (Organisation or Club) went to Bideford’s St John for their equally-inspired “St John Visits Wonderland” tableaux.

The overall prize went to the Deptford Farm Wildlife Watch Ground and Friends, from Hartland, who added the Bideford crown to titles already picked up in Bradworthy, Hartland and Bude, for their “Railway Children” steam train creation.

The procession also included a number of majorette troops, as well as host of walking characters, including Alison Rickman, from Northam, who won Best Walking Adult for her North Devon Coast creation and Dominic Luongo, who won the six-to-nine-year-olds’ walking prize as Prince Charming.

After carnival queen Pia Short-Luongo,13, was crowned by the Mayor of Bideford Cllr Philip Pester, the huge train headed on a mammoth route around the town to the beat of no less that eight pipe and drum bands from all over the South West, Wales and Midlands.

Carnival Secretary Mike Harper said: “It was amazing to see how many people came to watch the carnival and the pipe bands – the atmosphere was fantastic.

“I was really impressed by the standard of the entries, especially the walking classes. This year the walking entries assembled in Victoria Park where they were given a rousing welcome by local Samba Band Samba Sol’.

“We had another great carnival. Thanks to everyone who helped us this year”

Mr Harper said that Bideford has become “the” meeting place in the South West for pipe bands.

Senior pipe major Gaylena Humphries, who has spent several years organising the traditional massed pipes and drums marching on the Quay following the carnival, said it was one of the best events yet.

She said: “We’ve had lots of good feedback from the visiting pipe bands, all saying that they’ve had another great weekend in Bideford, the best yet.”

The day ended with a firework display.

The carnival proceeds will be distributed to local organisations.

Next year’s event will take place on Saturday, September 10. Anyone who can help in any way is asked to contact Mr Harper on (01237) 422477 or email carnival@rockbymail.co.uk

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BIDEFORD CARNIVAL 2010 – Results

Decorated Float, Children – The Railway Children

Decorated Float, Organisation or Club – St John Visits Wonderland!, St John Ambulance Cadets

Walking Group with Vehicle – Red Hat Rebels

Walking Adult (17 and Over) – North Devon Coast, Alison Rickman

Walking Young People (10 - 16) – Prince Charming, Dominic Luongo

Walking Children (6 - 9) – Mary Mary Quite Contrary, Emily Jeffery

Walking Toddlers (Under 6) – The Princess and the Frog, Caitlin Gubb

Walking Groups, Adult – Nursery Rhymes and Fairy Tales, Northam Lodge

Walking Groups, Children – Flower Pot Friends

Walking Pairs – Yemanja Goddess of the Ocean, Flying Colours

Self Propelled Vehicles – Nursery Rhymes and Fairy Tales, Northam Lodge

Class 14, Queen of Queens – Bude Carnival Queen, Kristina Beech

Class 15, Fairy Queens – Holsworthy Fairy Queen, Eleanor Abbott

Best Visiting Royalty – Appledore Royalty

Best Children’s Float – Shrek “The Modern Fairytale”, East the Water Primary School

Best Theme Float – Shrek “The Modern Fairytale”, East the Water Primary School

Best Theme Walker – Flower Pot Friends

Best Overall Walker – Flower Pot Friends

Best Overall Float – The Railway Children

Majorettes – Parkham Spinners

Shop Window Competition – Blooms of Bideford, The Quay