Chard Children's Carnival declared success with double the number of entries

The event saw a change of date, to be held on the same day as the main procession instead of the week before.

Zoe Bond was organising the event for the first time this year. She said: “Last year’s children’s procession had 12 entries, this year I managed to get 24 entries, doubling last year’s numbers.

“The procession and run up went incredibly well with the procession starting on time and every entry turning up.

“The feedback has been brilliant with many telling me that it was the best children’s procession they had seen in Chard for years. After putting a huge amount of effort in this was a great result. I couldn’t have hoped for better.”

Next year will be the 50th anniversary of the Chard Carnival since it was reformed.

Mrs Bond added: “For our 50th year I am looking to get schools involved with a decorated item competition, which they can parade in the procession.

“I will also be looking at increasing the numbers again. After the success of this year it is important that we improve year on year.

“Unfortunately carnival is slowly dying and getting the younger generation involved is one of the things we, as a committee, can do to encourage more people into carnival.

“There are a few people I need to thank. First of all is Doreen Toms who has helped me to put the procession together. Since this was my first year I did not have a clue what to do and without Doreen there would not have been a procession.

“I would like to thank the endless amount of helpers who turned up on the day to support the procession, including friends, family and members of the committee. Barrons for giving out and receiving a large amount of the entry forms and to my three judges, Kaye Bond, Zoe Spurway and John Sweet, who did a fantastic job judging such amazing entries.

“My final thank you goes out to all the children and parents who put in so much time and effort to create such a fantastic procession, I look forward to seeing you all next year.”