THIS year’s Tavistock Carnival was ‘one of the best’ according to organisers and profits were up on last year.

Schools, businesses, organisations and community members dressed up to represent different cultures for the procession theme ‘Countries of the World’ on Saturday, organised by Tavistock Lions’ Club.

Winning the perpetual shield and a trophy for best in procession was Tavistock Church Schools Federation (St Peter’s Junior School and St Rumon’s Infant School), representing Norway by dressing as Vikings. The schools also won first place in the schools category.

Winning first place in decorated float or group of vehicles was Vintage Tractors, walking class 1 was 1st Tavistock Scout Group, walking class 2 was TAGB Taekwando and walking class 3 was Tavistock Area Support Services.

The collection on the procession route, which took 25 people just over two hours to count, was £2,185.98, which was up £100 on last year’s collection. The profits will be distributed to the charity groups, clubs and schools that participated in the procession and the other events during carnival week.

Also during carnival week as well as the baby show which was featured in last week’s edition, a fun day and dog show was held, organised by Cheryl Thomas of Kestrel Kennels. Winning best in the pedigree classes was Bowden — a fox red Labrador, exhibited by Isobel Bevan, and reserve was Lady — a saluki, exhibited by June Baker. Best in novelty classes was Poppy — a German shepherd, exhibited by Pete Jarman and reserve was Rudy — a cross collie/springer/beagle, exhibited by Alana Steels. Judges were Jane and Michael O’Hara.

The Pavement Artists’ Competition, sponsored by the Tavistock Times Gazette, was judged by Lianne Hunt and Alison Stephenson, general manager and editor for the Times.

Results were: Under five years — 1, Ted Coates, 2, Lyra Blowey, 3, Evie Peek. Five to eight years — 1, Dibeh Alaoui, 2, Ruby Harding, 3, Iris Harding. Nine and over — 1, Leah Kite, 2, Damien Bowyer, 3, Gracie Young. Adult winner was Helen Bowyer.

Also taking place during carnival week was a petanque competition with Tavistock Town Council A team being crowned winners and the traders’ skittles competition won by Cake, Bakes and Shakes and the carnival programme flag competition, which was won by Keri Walker, Rosie Walker, Ben Walker and Kate Harding.

The Peace Poster winner was Bethan West who came top out of 450 entries.

Steve Grummitt, from Tavistock Lions Club, said: ‘We all had a fantastic week, it was one of the best processions in many years. Everyone who took part really latched on to the theme — from Scottish pipe bands to Nepal, we saw entries “from all over the world”, which was great.

‘The Lions would like to thank everyone who took part and helped us raise so much money. Lion Richard Marlow deserves a special mention for making the new carriage for our carnival princess. He put hundreds of hours in to make it and it looks amazing — now we will convert it into a sleigh for the Christmas period when Father Christmas visits.’

Next year’s carnival day will be Saturday, July 20 and the theme will be announced in due course.

Pictures by James Bird - see this week’s Times for more photos.