Bright lights and beautiful creations - Honiton gears up for the carnival season finale

With autumn now upon us, Honiton Carnival Week 2019 is fast approaching. 

The week kicks off on Saturday 19 October with a Table Top Sale at 9am and the Official Crowning of the Carnival Royalty at 11am in the Mackarness Hall. 

To book a table for the table top sale please see the contact details provided below.

This will be followed by a Quiz Night at The Beehive on Sunday 20 October at 7pm. Teams of up to 6 people, £2 per person with a £50 cash first prize. 

A Meat Bingo will be held on Wednesday 23 October in the Mackarness Hall - doors open at 7pm, eyes down at 8pm.

This is all followed by the main event, the Carnival Procession, on Saturday 26 October at 7.30pm.

This year's East Devon Carnival season is now well under way and Honiton will be the last carnival in the circuit.

The floats and walking entries are well warmed up and rehearsed, so all that is needed now is a big crowd to applaud and admire them as they make their way up through the High Street.

Participants have been working on their creations for the last 12 months to produce the colourful, illuminated entries that form the procession.

There is a massive amount of work that goes into creating a carnival entry, which is all done by volunteers.

Fundraising also plays a huge part, as operating costs for carnival clubs continue to rise. However, there is a determination to keep the tradition of carnival alive in East Devon.

Honiton's Carnival promises to be a great evening of entertainment with music, lights and dancing - all for free!

All that's asked is that you donate some money to the collection buckets, or in one of the three official collection floats that will be at the start, middle and end of the procession. 

There is a competition for the Best Dressed Collector, with a cash prize up for grabs.

If you'd like to take part and be one of our official collectors, just arrive at the Marshal's Station at Ottery Moor Lane by 6.45pm in your costume, ready to pick up your official collection bucket and be judged.

Any profit made from the collection is given back to good causes within the town. 

The Committee are always happy to receive requests for donations, which are decided on in March of the following year.

This year's procession will be led out, as always, by the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue vehicle - so look out for the flashing blue lights and you'll know that the Carnival is on it's way.  

The Samba Band will get everyone in the carnival mood, followed by the Honiton Twirlstars, The Mayor's party and the Honiton Royalty float.

Once again, the Devon Truck Show will be collecting for a children's cancer charity. These exciting, decorated trucks can be quite noisy so appropriate ear protectors may be needed by some, particularly the very young spectators. 

As well as local floats, and those from further afield, dispersed with colourful walking entries - local majorette troupes will be joining in the procession.

These troupes practice all year round and bring music and well-rehearsed routines, along with the spirit of carnival, to the procession.

This year's procession will be lining up along one side of Ottery Moor Lane to set off at 7.30pm prompt. 

It will then move along the High Street and finish just before the Monkton Road roundabout.

Road closures and diversions will be in force from 7pm and the 'no parking' restrictions in the High Street will commence from 4pm.

All roads should be reopened by 9.30pm at the latest.

While every effort is made to limit disruption, the committee apologies for any inconvenience caused.

Karen Wilson, commenting on behalf of Honiton Carnival Committee, said: "The Carnival has a long tradition in the town, and we are trying hard to keep it going. 

"Our small committee are all volunteers and we are always looking for new members.

"There are other ways of helping too, whether it is marshalling in the High Street on the night, or fundraising during the year - any help is greatly appreciated. 

"We would not have a Carnival without the help of our many sponsors. 

"We are so grateful to businesses within the town who have been able to sponsor us.

"We would also like to thank the Land Rover Experience of Awliscombe for the use of their vehicles.

"Thanks too to Martin Summers of Kanes Storage and Francis Martin.

"Without all their help we would not be able to have a royalty float to represent us on the East Devon Circuit."

Currently, the sponsors for this year's carnival are:

Duralife Windows

Beauty by Bev

To and Fro

Paul Richards Motors

East Devon Garden Care

J. R. Layzell & Sons

Ali's Kebabs

Mrs Wilson continued: "We hope you enjoy Honiton Carnival on Saturday 26 October at 7.30pm.

"Please remember to show your appreciation by clapping and cheering and filling up those collection buckets! 

"Don't forget the Christmas Carnival on Saturday 14 December at 5.30pm when we will do it all over again but with a very festive feel."

Contact the Honiton Carnival Committee on 07951 438598 or email [email protected].