HE rain failed to dampen the carnival spirit in Watchet on Sunday when people turned out to watch the annual procession.

A host of colourful characters took to the streets for the parade, which wound its way from the Market Street car park through the town to the memorial ground.

The soggy weather meant the carnival fete had to be moved from the memorial ground to The Esplanade, but a stunt plane was still able to take to the skies and perform above the harbour to mark the start of the parade.

Jackie Bale of the carnival committee said the wet conditions had been testing, but those who did brave the elements had fun.

“Watchet pulled together once again and although it was soggy it was a nice day and the sun even managed to come out a bit later in the afternoon,” she said.

“I think everyone who did come out and support us had a nice time and the crowds were really good at cheering everyone on.”

Judges Dave Westcott, Pam Bosley and David and Sylvia Hancock faced some tough decisions, and overall honours went to the Friends of St Audries Court with their version of Chariots of Fire. Their colourful wheels of fire also landed a second place in the best vehicle category.

Friends and family of Elliot Stevens, who tragically died at the age of just 13 months, won the cup for the best first-time entry with Bounce.

They were supported by the 1st Watchet Rainbows in rabbit ears and face paint to draw attention to their fundraising charity Elliot’s Touch.

The rainbows also won the Kidz Cup for the best entry by children aged under 11.

The best alien entry went to Williton Rainbows for Wizard of Oz while Anna Rhodes turned her white van into a delivery vehicle to win first in best vehicle as Postman Pat.

The best driver went to Zippy’s Crew while the Bell Inn’s Watchet Scrubbers went home with the Paddy Flynn Cup for the best humorous entry and the Anchor Inn Shield in the best pub category.

Elle Sowden and Libby Shopland won the best walking single or pair as Spongebob Squarepants and Gary the snail, while Mark Mossman and Friends took the Wessex Malthouse Cup for the best walking group with And They’re Off.

Keepers in Swain Street won the John Hamilton Memorial Trophy for best dressed shop with their Alice in Wonderland theme.

Carnival queen Kariss Sherrin was presented with the Jade Chatfield Memorial Trophy to mark the start of her ‘queenship’, and she was joined by other members of the Watchet ‘royal family’ - princesses Catrin Robinson and Alana Anning, princes Alastair Prescott and Cameron Stevens and attendant Keely Walsh.