The Best Guide for the West Somerset & Exmoor Area

Dulverton Carnival 2011

Saturday 1st October:
Dulverton Carnival organisers are hoping that this year's Carnival procession will be another successful event in the annual calendar of local West Somerset Carnivals.

Dulverton Carnival is the only night time carnival in West Somerset and organisers would be delighted to welcome any of the floats and entries from Watchet and Porlock carnivals, and all entries are free to participants.

Leading the procession will be the Bristol Samba Band and Dancers, on their very first visit to Dulverton. With their energetic exuberance, they are guaranteed to bring warmth and passion to this small Exmoor town.

Carnival organisers are also delighted to welcome the very first performance in Dulverton of a short six minute madcap Mummers Play performed by a group of Bampton Players.

The Bampton Players recently performed at Knightshayes and wowed the crowds there with their crazy antics. They will be performing early in the evening by the Bridge Inn and then, later, in Fore Street whilst onlookers wait for the return of the procession of floats. Award winning Tiverton Town Majorettes will also be entertaining onlookers during the procession and look out for the return visit of the amazing Stilt Walkers.

But pride of place will be the usual magnificent parade of tractor- drawn floats. Last year Dulverton Carnival boasted 18 different floats and organisers are hoping for another good turn out this year.

A special challenge has gone out from the committee. "October 1st this year is the UK's Older People's Day", said one of the organising committee.

UK Older People's Day celebrates the huge contribution that older people make to our society and economy and aims to tackle outdated stereotypes. "We usually have lots of children entering for the different walkers' cup but it would be wonderful if some of our more senior members of the community joined in too," said Jan. They would be made most welcome by long time entrant Beryl Gale (pictured right), who has dressed up for the Carnival for many years, and now enters in her wheelchair.

Visitors and local people can enjoy a whole day out in Dulverton as the town will also be hosting the Dulverton Carnival Craft and Food Fayre in Dulverton Town Hall from 10am to 9pm."We have a fantastic variety of craft and food producers exhibiting" said organiser Sylvia Thwaites" and with well over 30 stalls to choose from it promises to be a very exciting event."

There are talented craftsmen working in wood, metal, stone and clay and they will be displaying a huge variety of goods all individually designed and produced. Local artists will be exhibiting original watercolours of wildlife, animal portraits and landscapes - prints and cards will also be available. Hand sewn and quilted gifts, hand knitted shawls and other ‘designer knitwear' plus fabric Christmas decorations will also be on offer.

"We have lots of ‘vintage chic' with displays of cake stands, china and hand painted furniture and some very original ‘gifts with a twist'" added Sylvia. In addition there will be some unique and unusual jewellery made and designed by the exhibitors.

In the food section there are examples of Mediterranean cuisine, market garden produce, cheese maker's handmade cakes/ biscuits and lots more. The Fayre provides an excellent opportunity to buy some original local produce or pick up some unique gifts - Christmas is not too far away!

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