BUDE’S evening carnival procession took place without a drop of rain, despite the day experiencing some of the worst weather in the carnival’s history.

Thanks were extended to everyone who turned out to the carnival and special thanks to all the marshals who put out the barriers ahead of the procession despite the weather, on Saturday, August 20.

A fete in the daytime moved into the Parkhouse Centre, which saw children enter a fancy dress competition. First prize for an individual went to Alfie Leighton, as Jack in the Box. First prize for children’s group went to the Hicks family, as Robin Hood and his Merry Men. The children’s pairs first prize went to Jack and Riley Joyce, as ‘Clangers’.

A children’s colouring competition in the carnival programme was won by Lauren Tomlinson.

A ‘spot the wrong-un’ competition in the shop windows in Bude was won by Lottie and Sidney Hinson. Thanks were expressed to all of the local businesses who joined in the ‘wrong-un’ competition, window display and gave raffle prizes.

The evening procession started at 6.30pm from the Wharf and took a route around the town, and luckily the rain held off, with not a drop of rain affecting the evening procession until 8pm.

The procession was supported by Bude Town Band and North Devon Pipes and Drums and new people attended this year. Six groups turned up to carry collection buckets, there were seven walking groups and 18 floats. As well as the Bude Carnival Royalty, there were three groups of visiting royalty.

Carnival secretary Louise Chambers said: “There was a good turnout, all things considered. We’d like to thank everyone that turned out despite the weather. It went really successfully despite having the worst weather we ever had.

“It takes 12 months of planning, so it’s great that people supported the carnival.”

Margaret Frost, Bude Carnival president, added: “Considering the weather, the carnival went really, really well. We’re really proud of how people turned out, even in the rain, and we’re also proud of the floats — everyone has done the carnival proud.

“I’m just absolutely amazed with the turnout and the floats; it made it a really good carnival. The highlight for me was the people and what they did for us — the people who took part and the people who came along to watch the procession and events. I’m blown away by it all.

“A big, big thank you goes to everyone who helped and got involved to make it so great.”

Bude Carnival would always welcome new members to its committee. Those interested can email [email protected]