On Saturday 30th September, Budleigh Salterton was lit up with the sights, smells and wonders of Carnival. From small walking entries to the regular Budleigh Salterton Carnival Club float and of course big 30 footers of SidVale and Otters Carnival Club.

The town was full of people all willing to support the event by donating and cheering the floats on as they made their way from Seachange to the seafront and up the High Street. The town was full of live entertainment, balloon modelling and a food court with a variety of food and drink options available.

This year also saw the Budleigh Salterton Carnival launch a new float with the help of Budleigh Salterton Carnival Club. The Budleigh Salterton Carnival Royalty has been gracing all of East Devon with its Frozen themed float. This is the first time ever that Budleigh Salterton has had a royalty float and the crowds love it wherever it goes. The committee are looking forward to taking it to Honiton and Exeter.

Chairman Mike Hilliar said: “This event just keeps getting bigger and better each year. But this year the crowds lining the streets was our biggest yet and I would personally like to thank all of the stewards and marshals for helping us out. Thank you to the supportive crowd of Budleigh Salterton and the wider area for listening to our stewards and helping to make sure that we have a safe carnival. Seeing so many people in Budleigh Salterton really put a smile on my face and brought a tear to my eye. With your help we have been able to raise over £1,300 which will be used to put on next year's carnival. We are still accepting donations via our Facebook page. If anyone would still like to donate.

"But we cannot do this without you, like many other clubs and organisations we are looking for new committee members and helpers for our events and the carnival. If you believe you can help us please reach out to us via email, budleighcarnival@outlook.com.”

As part of our carnival the committee once again held its annual shop window competition and the committee would like to thank all those shops that took part and also to those that decorated their windows for fun. Gilbert Stephens Solicitors were the judges' choice and received the Chris Coles Cup kindly donated by Chris Coles' family.

See the full gallery of photos from the night at www.alexwaltonphotography.co.uk

The results of Budleigh Salterton Carnival 2023 are as follows:

Over 30ft Entries:

1st Sid Vale - Ghost Riders.

2nd. Otters - Welcome to the 60's

3rd Grand Atlantic Rowing Team.

Under 30ft

1st. Ipplepen - Jack's Back.

2nd. Gliddons - Outlaws in the Gold mine.

Comedy.

1st. Honiton Young Farmers - Grease.

Youth.

1st. Spooky Choo Choo.

Royalty.

1st Honiton Royalty

2nd Budleigh Salterton Royalty - Frozen Ever After.

3rd. Ottery St Mary - Seasons.

Individual Adult Walker.

1st. Emily Miller - Have you seen a zebra crossing.

Individual Walking Youth.

1st. Rise of the Phoenix - Callie Martin

2nd. Save Trees save the earth - Thomas Franklin.

Walking Group.

1st Exeter Starlite Cheerleaders.

2nd Centre Stage - Anything goes.

Walking with motorised prop.

1st Sonic the Hedgehog 2 - Sunshine Stars.

Walking with prop.

1st Birthday Party - Sarah Chalk.

Local floats.

1st Budleigh Salterton Carnival Club - Fun in the Sun ??

Local walking group.

1st Under the Sea - Drakes School.

2nd Jellyfish - Salt Cellars.

Best overall.

Fun in the sun?? - Budleigh Salterton Carnival Club

Spirit of Carnival

Rise of the Phoenix.

Best Royalty

Honiton Royalty

Best Local entry

Budleigh Salterton Carnival Club - Fun in the sun

Budleigh Salterton Carnival would like to thank Alex Walton Photographer for taking some wonderful photos of our carnival and highlighting how carnival can bring so much joy to people faces especially in these dark times. We look forward to seeing everyone at Budleigh Salterton Carnival 2024!!