IT is the biggest and most eagerly-awaited feature in the annual calendar of events held in Topsham. Yes – the town fayre got under way last Saturday, August 22, with crowds of the town s residents and visitors alike, busy enjoying a multitude of activiti

IT is the biggest and most eagerly-awaited feature in the annual calendar of events held in Topsham.

Yes - the town fayre got under way last Saturday, August 22, with crowds of the town's residents and visitors alike, busy enjoying a multitude of activities held as part of the week-long extravaganza.

Shirley Hack, who helps organise the Topsham Town Fayre, said she was pleased with its success so far.

"It has been a case of so far so good. We had a bingo night on Monday and have never had so many people attend in years gone by.

"The (Matthews) hall was full for the crowning of the royal family."

Shirley added: "Generally-speaking, we have been so well supported with everything we have put on."

The fayre got off to a flying start at the weekend with a record-breaking Topsham Allotments and Garden Association annual flower and vegetable show.

In a first for the show, 65 competitors put in 595 entries and judges said it was the best standard they had seen since the event started in 1990.

The overall champion was the show secretary Andy Barber and his wife Mary. The couple entered a total of 45 classes.

Topsham's new royal family was crowned on Monday, August 24. Charlotte Griffin, 14, was bestowed with the honour of being named the carnival queen.

Eleven-year-old Brogan White, and Robyn Wilson, 10, were given the title of princesses.

The green near Matthew Hall was transformed into a scene reminiscent of the famous BBC Crufts show on Tuesday afternoon when a dog show was held.

And, on Wednesday evening revellers took part in a pub-a-thon - an evening of team games with people in fancy dress moving around the town's pubs.

Don't miss out on the Exmouth Journal next week, which will contain a review of the entire week and pictures from the carnival.