Exmouth Carnival 2015

The 2015 Exmouth Carnival will be remembered as a great event and a fitting tribute to the man they called the “Carnival King”, writes Paul Strange.

Saturday night’s colourful parade broke recent records – both in attendance and in its fundraising – with organisers estimating that more than 10,000 people lined Exmouth’s streets to watch the lengthy procession.

This year’s parade consisted of 75 entries, up on last year’s total of 60.

There was also a powerful sentiment to proceedings, as it was dedicated to the late Rob Waller, who organised the carnival for many years. His daughter Rachel helped to carry a banner – emblazoned with Rob’s image – at the front of the parade.

The final total from this year’s procession was £4,016.36p, nearly £90 more than was collected last year.

“We wanted to go over £4,000,” said Justine Payton, carnival secretary and treasurer. “It’s the first time we’ve done it in the five years since we’ve been running the carnival, so we’re really pleased,

“This is the biggest and best parade that Exmouth has put on to date. Rob Waller would have been proud.”

Best overall float was Ipplepen Carnival Club with Yer Tis. The Rob Waller Memorial Trophy for the most entertaining local entry went to Budleigh Salterton Carnival Club for Law and Disorder. The Wilsons Paints Trophy for best walker went to James Hellier with Ship Ahoy.

For full report and results, see this week’s Exmouth Journal.