Devon: Honiton Carnival 2024 was a 'night full of light'

Due to the new housing in the Ottery Moor Lane area, the committee had to put new traffic control measures in place to allow the road to remain open, whereas in previous years the road would close to allow the procession to line up safely in the area.

Honiton Carnival have used this area for the start of the carnival for many years without any issues, but as the area has now been developed, and new restrictions put in place, the small committee of volunteers had a matter of hours to apply for an additional licence for a new traffic management plan.

The licence was approved with very little time to spare so the committee could go ahead with the procession as planned.

Despite some vehicles remaining in Ottery Moor Lane in the temporary "no parking" zone, making the manoeuvring of the large floats difficult, the carnival night itself went “really well”.

With perfect weather for the procession and more than 25 entries lined up the excitable atmosphere grew and was full of light, fun and music.

The Devon Truck Show started the procession, rolling up through the High Street to announce the start of the carnival, closely followed by the Fire Service and Police who, as is the tradition, led the procession followed by the Barnstaple Youth Marching Band - who got the crowd into the carnival spirit.

The local delegation followed with The Mayoral party, being led by the Deputy Town Crier, Cllr Caroline Kolek, closely followed by The Twirlstars Majorettes and this year’s Honiton Royal party, Fin Holmes, Chloe Tratt and Maya-Jane Hannay-England, who waved enthusiastically at the crowd.

Other entries in the procession included some from the Somerset circuits who are always welcomed to Honiton along with the well-known Honiton entries from: Next Generation CC, Honiton Young Farmers, Otters CC, Honiton Community Theatre Company, Honiton Youth Rugby Club, Bubbles CC and in her final year as a walking entry Jiggles Jnr as the Steam Punk Pirate.

It was wonderful to see so many people in the town with the crowds being four or five people deep in some places.

This was reflected in this year's "exceptional collection" which was approximately £1,660.

A spokesperson for Honiton Carnival Committee said: “The committee would like to thank everyone who generously put their cash in the collecting buckets. Much of the money collected goes back to local groups and organisations.

“The Carnival committee would like to thank the North Petherton Carnival Marshals Team, without whom they could not manage.

"Also, thanks to all the sponsors of this year’s carnival who gave so generously.”

The sponsors include: Ali’s Kebabs, Betteridge – The Bed Expert, Blamphayne Sawmills, Churchill Retirement Living, Combe Garden Centre, CSM Independence Ltd, Dalzell Distributors, DCB Tax Services, Delve Electrical Services, E. A. Dodd & Son, East Devon Garden Care, Geraldine Coates, Honiton Carpets, Honiton Garage, Honiton Hearing Centre, House of Hair, J. R. Lazell & Sons, Lemon Tree Digital Marketing, Paul Richards Motors, MKM Building Supplies, Parnell Coaches, Simon A. Martin Accountants, Snows Toyota, To and Fro Van Hire, Ultim8 Construction, JDB Roofing and To and Fro.

The Committee spokesperson added: “We are also grateful to everyone who supported Honiton Carnival and made it possible this year under very difficult circumstances and thanks for all the wonderful comments on social media, they are all appreciated.”

The Committee are now beginning work to organise the Christmas “just for fun” Carnival which takes place on Saturday, December 14, starting at 5.30pm.

The small committee are always looking for new volunteers so if you are interested in joining the Honiton Carnival Committee, please message their Facebook page or contact the Secretary by calling: 07951 438598

This year’s winners were:

Open Class

What A Show – Sid Vale CC
 

Local Class

Bugsy Malone – Next Generation CC
 

Comedy Class

Nee Naw – Nunsford Nutters CC
 

Under 16’s Class

Birds of Paradise – Rubalo CC
 

Under 30’ Class

Master of The House - Zem CC

Visiting Royalty Class              

Secret Garden – Ottery St Mark Carnival
 

Trade

Ashley Wood Recovery/Devon Truck Show
 

Walking Adult Single

Voodoo Spirit – Neville Quick
 

Walking Group

Honiton Community Theatre Company
 

Walking with Wheeled Props

The Time Machine – A & A CC
 

Walking Youth

Steam Punk Pirate – Jiggles Jnr CC
 

Best Costume

Jiggles Jnr
 

Best Make up

Rubalo CC
 

Best Choreography

Nunsford Nutters CC
 

Best Lighting

Rubalo CC
 

Best Music

Nunsford Nutters CC
 

Most Colourful

Rubalo C
 

Best Dressed Tractor Driver

Rubalo CC
 

Most Original Walking

A & A CC
 

Best Local Walking

Bubbles C
 

Royalty Award

Nunsford Nutters CC
 

Best Overall Walking Entry

A & A CC
 

Best Overall Float

Nunsford Nutters CC