CARNIVAL time came to Watchet last weekend when three days of free family entertainment brought hundreds of visitors to the town.

The packed programme ranged from BMX displays and samba workshops to pipe bands, cheerleading, and day-long street entertainment.

Thora May, Marley Nunn, and Lenny May try to hook ducks at Watchet Carnival. PHOTO: George Ody.Children enjoy bouncing up and down on the recreation ground during Watchet Carnival. PHOTO: George Ody.Fine Whines vintage jazz duo entertain visitors to Watchet Carnival. PHOTO: George Ody.The ever-popular Bideford Youth Pipe Band perform at Watchet Carnival. PHOTO: George Ody.South Coast Waves cheerleaders in action at Watchet Carnival. PHOTO: George Ody.Minehead Samba Band proved a popular hit with Watchet Carnival crowds.Watchet Community Choir, led by Fiona Payne, entertain Watchet Carnival crowds.Thrills and spills from Savage Skills BMX and MTB stunt show at Watchet Carnival.

Thora May, Marley Nunn, and Lenny May try to hook ducks at Watchet Carnival. PHOTO: George Ody.

Children enjoy bouncing up and down on the recreation ground during Watchet Carnival. PHOTO: George Ody.

Fine Whines vintage jazz duo entertain visitors to Watchet Carnival. PHOTO: George Ody.

The ever-popular Bideford Youth Pipe Band perform at Watchet Carnival. PHOTO: George Ody.

South Coast Waves cheerleaders in action at Watchet Carnival. PHOTO: George Ody.

Minehead Samba Band proved a popular hit with Watchet Carnival crowds.

Watchet Community Choir, led by Fiona Payne, entertain Watchet Carnival crowds.

Thrills and spills from Savage Skills BMX and MTB stunt show at Watchet Carnival.

Highlights of Saturday’s Esplanade-based programme were breathtaking stunts by a member of the Global Stars aerobatics team, pop/rock band Ooshka Baby, folk band the Hoodies, covers specialists The Kingstons, Fine Whines jazz, Minehead Samba Band, and folk ensemble Rolling Home.

Sunday’s Carnival Fayre featured Ben Prescott Entertainment, the Bideford Youth Pipe Band, Sovereign Nature story-telling project, the Four Foot Four folk band, and the South Coast Waves cheerleaders.

Thrills and spills came from the Savage Skills stunt show, featuring BMX riding, mountain-boarding, and acrobatics.

A stilt walker at Watchet Carnival is given a helping hand.
A stilt walker at Watchet Carnival is given a helping hand. (Watchet Carnival)