 |
• Face of the carnival.
Ref: P3641-42-07AW |
 |
• The Ocean Dragon Racing Team.
Ref: P3656-42-07AW |
 |
• Carnival Queen Emma-Lee Wilson aged 14 from Topsham.
Ref: P7865-42-07DR |
 |
| • Carnival princesses Abie Thomas, 10, and Chloe White, eight, from Topsham. Ref: P7864-42-07DR |
Exmouth Carnival 2007
Words: Belinda Bennett
Pictures: Alex Walton and Dave Somerton-Rees
AN electric atmosphere among big crowds and positively balmy weather complemented East Devon’s largest carnival of the season so far in Exmouth at the weekend.
After a successful run-up in Sidmouth and Newton Poppleford, it was the resort’s turn on the circuit to gyrate to the beats of this year’s great contenders last Saturday night.
Sidvale CC, the mightiest of them all, glided through the streets bringing a touch of Rio and samba to Exmouth with its multi-award-winning and oh-so-colourful Brazilia.
But there was more than a sprinkling of homegrown glory seekers to add to the glamour and glitz of the occasion, proving Exmouth deserves a place among the best for carnival spirit.
As always, the carnival was a feast of colour - keeping children wide-eyed and adults entertained along the entire route.
Topsham Carnival Queen Emma-Lee Wilson, 14, and princesses Abbie Thomas, 10, and Chloe White, eight, were Exmouth’s adopted royals for the night.
With no carnival royalty of its own, Exmouth Carnival Committee was pleased to roll out the red carpet for them instead. Committee members wish to express their gratitude for Topsham’s support.
Brixington Ladies, part of Exmouth Carnival for 30 years, took a well-deserved first place in the walking groups class.
Shaking maracas and wearing sparkling red jackets, they entertained with a thoroughly Spanish entry - Oley!
Nine ladies took part in the entry. Speaking to The Journal in the line-up before the procession, they each said they enjoyed being part of carnival. “It’s the atmosphere,” they explained.
In years gone by, Brixington Ladies have been among the local float contenders. They started planning this year’s walking entry last July, they said.
The Scouting movement is celebrating its centenary in 2007 and reflecting the tradition of Scouts at the carnival with a joint entry were enthusiastic members from Exmouth and Budleigh Salterton.
Viv Strong, Assistant District Commissioner for Beaver Scouts, said: “We are all wearing full uniform and carrying flags, the whole works, because we want to represent the proper tradition of Scouting this year.”
Exmouth Town Football Club was really in the carnival mood - fielding more than one entry.
That thoroughly British secret service agent 007, a bubble machine, a barman who could really shake and not stir, some young pretenders and a few striking Bond girls were features of the club’s wicked Casino Royale float.
On foot were members of the club’s girls’ under-14s squad. As well as looking the carnival part, in glitzy costumes, they were pretty good at acrobatic poses too!
Cancer charity FORCE, celebrating its 21st anniversary, was prominent in the walking classes, entering an army of collectors in blue bubble wigs.
Budleigh Salterton Carnival Club, winning universal praise from judges this year with Caribbean Cascade, was among the most colourful floats in the procession.
Deserving extra special mention after a blockbuster year are members of Exmouth in Bloom Committee.
As if they weren’t already feeling flushed after winning South West in Bloom’s regional award, along with a gold award, committee members went on to win another top accolade on Saturday night.
They took first place in the mixed ages walking group class with the aptly named Flower Power.
A profusion of colour, the entry was a real spectacle and among the local highlights.
Pat Graham, of Exmouth in Bloom, said: “We’ve had a brilliant year!”
Exmouth Carnival is never the quickest off the mark, due to high entry levels and the delicate task of positioning walking entries between floats, but enthusiasm for the event once again ensured it is a true highlight of the East Devon circuit.
 |
 |
 |
| • Ref: P3691-42-07AW |
• Exmouth Town 2006 FC as Casino Royale.
Ref: P3649-42-07AW |
• Budleigh Salterton CC go Calypso.
Ref: P7856-42-07DR |
 |
 |
 |
| • Ref: P3581-42-07AW |
• Watching the carnival from the bottom of the ocean.
Ref: P7874-42-07DR |
• Budleigh CC put on Caribbean Cascade. Ref: P7901-42-07DR |
 |
 |
 |
• Father Christmas makes an appearance!
Ref: P3693-42-07AW |
• Olivia Hellier and Sophie Buckland enjoy the spectacle.
Ref: P3716-42-07AW |
• Colourful costumes.
Ref: P3629-42-07AW |
 |
 |
 |
| • Ref: P3708-42-07AW |
• Ref: P7910-42-07DR |
• Ref: P7888-42-07DR |
 |
 |
 |
| • Ref: P7896-42-07DR |
• Ref: P7898-42-07DR |
• Ref: P7884-42-07DR |
 |
 |
 |
| • Ref: P7907-42-07DR |
• Ref: P7887-42-07DR |
• Ref: P7879-42-07DR |
 |
 |
 |
| • Ref: P7904-42-07DR |
• Ref: P7863-42-07DR |
• Ref: P7878-42-07DR |
 |
 |
| • Ref: P3571-42-07AW |
• Ref: P3651-42-07AW |
 |
 |
| • Ref: P3563-42-07AW |
• Ref: P3596-42-07AW |
 |
 |
| • Ref: P3598-42-07AW |
• Ref: P3666-42-07AW |
 |
 |
| • Ref: P7851-42-07DR |
• Ref: P7877-42-07DR |
 |
 |
| • Ref: P7892-42-07DR |
• Ref: P7900-42-07DR |
|