Despite an unpromising start to the day with heavy rain and strong winds, which may have deterred a few people, Holsworthy Carnival was once again blessed with fine weather and a great success. Large crowds packed the streets for the evening procession and with the Christmas lights switched on for the first time and Rowland's

funfair in full swing on the Manor car park, it was as ever one of the most colourful and

enjoyable events in the town's calendar.

In the afternoon the rain eased in time for the children's carnival. With the judging completed and the Fairy Queen, seven year old Ellie Abbott, looking a picture as she sat on the end of a crescent moon, having been crowned by Carnival President, Ron Ellacott, the procession wound its way around the town, led by the Town Band. The Holsworthy Majorettes were joined by the SLS All Stars Majorettes from Shebbear, Langtree and Stibb Cross. There were numerous walking characters but just two floats: Holsworthy Beavers celebrating 40 years of a man on the moon and the Cubs cavorting as Zombies to the music of 'Thriller'. Among the youngest entrants were Willow, Noah and Ben Sleep and Mitchell and Archie Harris in their version of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

Once again the Town Band and Fairy Queen led the evening procession and were joined by the Bideford Youth Pipes and Drums and the Barnstaple Marching Band in their colourful uniforms. There was

visiting royalty from Whitstone, Bridgerule, Camelford, Hatherleigh, Bideford and Bude. With no Holsworthy Carnival Queen this year, however, the gap was inevitably filled by six local lads ('Wot No Carnival Queen'?) and by Bradworthy YFC (The Q Factor). Indeed Young Farmers provided seven floats among which were Bow's 'Strictly Barn Dancing' and Launceston's 'Shrek'. Among the other floats were 'Health and Safety Gone Mad' (Holsworthy Explorer Scouts), 'Celebrating 10 Years of Guiding' (Holsworthy Guides) and 'Celebrating 100 Years' (Highampton

Primary School). The evening procession took half an hour to pass any one spot and Henry Westlake with his

loudspeakers and Trevor Sillifant with his roving mike provided a running commentary as they have done for the past 47 years.

Thanks once again to Ron Ellacott (President), John Rogers (Chairman), Wendy Rogers (Secretary) and their hard-working committee for keeping the spirit of carnival alive in Holsworthy.

See this week's 'Post' for carnival results and more photos.