The Barnstaple Carnival Fiesta has been hailed as a huge success and a fitting tribute to Her Majesty The Queen as the community came together to honor the late Sovereign and celebrate her life.
It began with two minutes’ silence in memory of the Queen and was followed by a day of displays, entertainment, stalls and activities on the Strand, with a procession decked out in children’s dresses.
Carnival Queen Natalie Rudd was crowned by the Lord Mayor of Barnstaple and then there was a shortened procession through the town for the royal coach.
Some people who had come out in fancy dress joined the procession to create a makeshift mini carnival.
The event is the 75th annual installment of the Barnstaple Carnival, but had to be scaled back this year due to difficulties getting enough entries for a procession.
Carnival committee chairman Andy Shiner said the day had gone very well, as had the fireworks in the evening to close the carnival and Fair Week.
He said: “Thank you to everyone who came and joined and many thanks also to the stall owners, plus our great sponsors.
“A special thank you to everyone who helped organize the day, our committee members and carers and everyone who helped out.
Mr Shiner said the feedback so far had been very good, adding: “There were a lot of people there and many said they thought it was good that we went ahead with the event.
“A large number of people said they thought the Queen would have wanted community events like this to continue and we made sure it was a celebration of her life.”
