THERE were circus strongmen and clowns, characters from stories galore and majorettes aplenty – South Petherton Carnival was another great success.
The rain just about held off for the crowds which lined the streets as the carnival cavalcade made its way through the village last Saturday (September 12).
The crowds were entertained on the parade at the front by the ever-popular Bournemouth Carnival Band, while bringing up the rear of the procession was the Wessex Highlanders.
Members of the Desert Divas belly dancing team walked the route, while before the carnival got underway there was a performance of the Blackdown Hills Music Group in the village centre.
The Carnival Royalty for the night were young duo Austin O’Donnell and Matilda Cage who won the Royal Scarecrow competition.
The Brewers Arms gang won the feature award with Rock Around the Croc, while South Petherton Scouts Group took the comic class with Scouts Circus.
The Scouts also received the Chairperson’s Award – this year judged by Andrea Clifford in her first term as carnival chairman following on from the long-standing Dave Williams, who was seen cavorting on the Angie Allen CC’s float Viva Benidorm.
Andrea aid: “Thanks to everyone who came to our carnival and I hope everyone enjoyed themselves.
“Many thanks for everyone who took part and all the volunteers who helped.”
The organising committee is looking to hear comments from people with suggestions on how to make next year’s carnival even better.
There was more circus fun with South Petherton Cricket Club who took the music of Let Me Entertain You to a higher level by dishing out “cream pies” to unsuspecting victims in the crowd.
COLLECTIONS: Volunteers out raising money on carnival night.
There were also great entries from the village’s infants and junior schools and the Brownies and Rainbows, and other walking masqueraders.
While the majorettes were out in force as well with troupes from Chard, Ilchester, Merriott and the newly-formed group from Ilminster.
Money raised on the night will go towards various local groups and organisations in the South Petherton area.
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