AT 2pm last Saturday afternoon, August 17, local man Nick Farrow cut a ribbon at the entrance to the Castle grounds to mark the official start of Bude Carnival 2019, writes Christine Williams.

After a week of rain, this year’s carnival was blessed with fine weather adding to the enjoyment of hundreds of locals and visitors who came to the fete in the afternoon and lined the streets in the evening to enjoy this happy and well organised event.

Firstly, all eyes were on the bandstand where for their good works in the community, Charley Graver and Peter Trowbridge were presented the Ambassador’s Cup by the 2018 ambassadors, William Jose and Lauren Sobey.

Then Citizen of the Year Sue Gear, who for the past 17 years has been running a wildlife rescue charity from her home, crowned Fairy Queen Daisy Kendrick aged ten, accompanied by her attendants Poppy Kendrick aged seven and Freya Kennard aged six.

On the Castle green and beyond there were numerous food, charity and fun stalls while there was live entertainment by ‘Back on Nights’ and dance displays by CJs Dance and Jason Thomas Performing Arts.

For the children there were stalls and games including Bude toy library, a bouncy castle and face painting.

There was a circus skills workshop by Passing Showers and local artist Pat Hawkins judged the children’s colouring competition. 

After the children’s fancy dress had been judged, led by the town band drummer they set off to parade along the Strand.

By late afternoon carnival floats and vehicles were beginning to assemble at the Wharf and at 6.30pm, after judging, the parade set off on a circuit of the town led by the town band.

Many of the floats were inspired by the media from ‘Grease’, ‘Alice in Wonderland’, ‘Wonka Golden Ticket’ and the cowboys and Indians of ‘Wild Westcountry to Love Island’,‘The Boat That Rocked’ and from Bradworthy ‘Bradhemian Rhapsody’. Singing of a more traditional nature came from Tamarside Singers and the 1st Bude Rowan Scouts were prominent in their striking uniforms.

During the parade Energia Samba Band entertained in the Triangle and interspersed among the floats came the rhythmic music of the North Devon Pipes and Drums. There was visiting royalty from Bridgerule, St Dennis, Camelford, Holsworthy, Sticker and Brea.

It was a long way for the walking masqueraders and the Barrel Morris Dancers and young people from local dance schools CJ’s, Urbn StreetZ who danced their way around the town.

Several charities were present such as Prickles Hedgehog Rescue, Marine Life Rescue and Bude Animal Friends who were no doubt keeping a close eye on two tethered sheep which walked the entire route drawing attention to the imminent Holsworthy & Stratton Agricultural Show.

The parade also featured some local businesses and eateries as well as commercial and emergency vehicles and vintage cars.

Money collected on the day, after expenses, is donated to local charities and organisations.

Thanks were expressed to the hardworking carnival committee and volunteers for keeping the spirit of the carnival alive in Bude.