IN TRUE Delabole spirit, the carnival week began on July 9 with events running throughout building up to the Grand Carnival on July 16, writes Helen Pusey.

From 2pm the stationary engines and vehicles arrived, and were situated in the playing fields, whilst the fairground music organ took its usual spot in the centre of the village by St John’s church.

Scarecrows could be seen around the village, and even a snowman with a moveable head made sure everyone was in true carnival mood.

Chairman, Andrew Stacey, said: “This year is different as all entrants will meet at the field opposite Planet Caravan Park, and we have three steam engines in the parade.”

To begin with, the procession was led by the large steam engine, appropriately named the ‘Cornish Maid’, owned by Steve Syms, and was followed by Camelford Town Band.

Additionally, Tom Herrington’s Ford 8210 passed by clean and in check. Delabole Senior Queen Emily Carnon, with attendants Marisa Hunt, Bobbi Worden and Effie Worden, and Fairy Queen Amber, with attendants Scarlett Smith and Mollie Bright, all looked picture perfect. Isabelle Smith followed with ‘Flower Power’ and Georgia Smith with ‘Cowgirl Dreams’.

Thomas and Heather Hoskin presented their Rover P3 sports Saloon, creating the bygone days of post war years.

Walking entries began with Finley Cain as a proper ‘Fireman Sam’, with flashing lights in his buggy. Shaunie Tufhill followed with Smugglers Pirates; all were safe though, as one Pirate was fast asleep.

A Ferguson T20F followed, and then St Piran’s play school as ‘Our future Olympians’, along with a strong man and sumo wrestler.

Flowers from Bruallen tableaux had flowers ‘Dancing on Sunshine’ and Flowers that Rock.

An RAF green goddess made for the cold war, owned by Mike Squires, passed by, along with a mini convertible.

Soon Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles by Bev Bennett could be seen and Aladdin and Genie of the lamp by Jackie Burnard.

The Camelford Scout and Beavers Group took the crowds on a Harry Potter journey even with a Ford Anglia.

Camelford Fairy Queen, perfect too, was followed by Lucy Fox as a Cornish Pixie, along with more fascinating vehicles like the Landrover TACR1.

Other tableaux and walking entries arrived with wonderful, original names like: Thing1 and Thing2 (Sophie and Niamh Binney), The Pengelly Wonderlanders (The Ferg Heards), The Great British Bake off by Royal Appointment (Jo Old and Co) with miniature poodle.

Jumpin’ Out Jazz band had everyone tapping to their beat, while Chris Vincent drove his miniature steam engine with a face getting sootier by the minute.

The carnival kept giving and giving with Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs by Richard Lewis, and Game of Thrones, Mother of Dragons by Carley and Jasmine.

There were even Delabole Trolls by Tor and Tammy, while the Delabole fire engine keeping everyone safe, including a very young recruit wanting to be a fireman just like his grandad.

‘Singing in the Rain’ was performed by Fast Forward Dance and Fitness, reminding everyone of old Hollywood films and the big screen — and the brollies, of course.

Soon the crowd was taken down memory lane with the chopper bike, ‘When I was a Boy’ by Jon Juleff and his flared trousers, followed by the Star Wars Imperial Walker and the Next Generation by Gregory Wilmot and Fairytale families. Indian Queens Band also played their tunes and looked well turned out for this occasion.

The carnival could not be complete without her Majesty as the ‘Birthday Girl’, along with Philip by Vaughan and Tricia Williams.

Just as you thought there was an air of calm, ‘The Enterprise’ steam engine, owned by Wyon Hawkin, made everyone jump with its whistles and horns.

A larger than life strawberry jumped out of the car, but this was really Andrew from Trevathan Strawberry Farm, while Honor Burnard dressed as a big carrot.

When you thought things were almost at an end, there was more enjoyment to be had with Elaine Ash’s ‘Let’s Have a Balloon Party’ and Edward Leach as Black Beard to scare the crowd.

Open The Book cleverly told the story of David and Goliath which received a cheery round of applause from the crowd.

Other vehicles included Mary Treleaven’s Massey Ferguson 35, the huge Penzance fire-tender, as well as an Armstrong Siddley Burlington, Long Twenty dated 1936. Davidstow’s Cornwall at War Museum presented Marlene, their electric touring vehicle.

Energia band made sure everyone was stonking to their beats, which were rather infectious and inspired everybody to throw in any remaining change into the final collection.

Following an outstanding procession, everyone retired to the marquee for the results of the nominations. The band Renegadel then took to the stage with their opening song ‘Sweet Dreams’, which was originally sung by Annie Lennox.

Many enjoyed looking at the vehicles now parked in the playing fields and youngsters took to the fair ground.

Some committee members are retiring, including Alison Stacey as carnival secretary after 15 years. She has been replaced by Wendy Odd. Tony Hopkins has also retired as treasurer, but five new members have joined the carnival committee. Both Alison and Tony will remain as committee members.

Billy Merrilees, carnival committee member, said: “It has been good carnival weather and definitely well supported. People have given generously, throwing money in right up unto the end notes and all!”

As the carnival drew to a close, the clearing up process began the following day in true Delabole fashion, with the helpers of the committee making sure this excellent carnival was rounded off to the end and tided away, like military precision. All ready to start again next year on July 8 to 15.