HATHERLEIGH'S 107th Carnival took place on Saturday, November 13, which saw, a small quiet market town, crammed full of people; floats; fire and fun.

The fun started on the Friday night when the children pulled both sets of unlit barrels from Bridge Street to Sanctuary Lane, accompanied by Hatherleigh Jazz Band, ready for barrel runs on Saturday. At a cold and early 5am Saturday morning, the first blazing barrel run happened, causing Hatherleigh to quake with adrenaline and excitement. The town then fell silent until 11am when Eggesford Hunt arrived, filling The Square with horses and hounds. Following the hunt, the Town Crier's Competition took place with the Champion Crier Rosalind Charlton Chard, accompanied by her companion Millie the Magnificent.

At 2pm, the afternoon procession took place, gliding through the town to the market, lead by our 2010 Prince and Princess Joseph Hartnett and Lily Bater, and 2010 queen, Miss Claire Munn. At the market, crowds gathered to watch the crowning of the royalty by the 107th president, Mr Adrian Drew. This followed by the judging of the children's procession (and with such high standards proved very difficult this year). By 6pm, the market was over-flowed with creative and entertaining tableaux and walking guys, with 25 tableau entries and many walking entries.

At 7pm, just as the procession left the market, the heavens opened and unleashed rain, but fortunately stopped just as the main procession began, enticing the crowds to stay and watch the glorious floats, bands and walking guys perform. As the evening came to an end, the final blazing tar barrel run took place, warming crowds as it flashed by.

See the 'Post' for more photos and full results.