Earlier this year, Watchet Carnival organisers announced that there was to be a change to the planned two-day Carnival Weekend extravaganza - in that Saturday is now Carnival Day, with a whole day/evening of entertainment; music, singing, dancing and fun children’s activities on The Esplanade, on the Main Street (Swain St & Market St) and at other venues in the town.

Watchet Carnival brought people together, with wonderful memories made.

Flags were flying high and there was a spectacular display of so many splendid colourful designs and themes in shops, cafés, pubs and clubs and in the marina.

The ‘Open Theme’ will remain so future creativity can flow.

Organisers thank all who made Watchet stunning; to Chives Café ‘Peaky Blinders’ statue who surprised many a passer-by! There was plenty of Carnival ‘fiesta’ creativity with colourful attire or fancy dress and at the Children’s Entertainment lots of brilliant creations were made.

Trophy winners were - Best dressed shop: Alberts ‘Ardware with “Under the Water” in one window display and “Elves go camping” in the other; Best dressed pub: The London Inn with “London Snook” and Captain “Savage” Sue and her motley crew; Best dressed boat: “Sea Lark”.

The Welcome to Watchet & Carnival Day got under way with The West Somerset Brass Band performing on The Esplanade at 1pm. Crowds then lined the main street at 2pm for a Ceremonial Opening with Town Crier, David Milton, leading off the ceremonial march with Bideford Youth Pipe Band. There was more to enjoy throughout the day with West Somerset Morris, Watchet Community Choir, Jamma de Samba and The Original Sailors Hobby Horse Minehead.

On the Esplanade Somerset-based Barry Walsh, folk/roots singer/songwriter and his wife Louise performed on mandolin, ukulele and vocals. Everyone enjoyed the Punch & Judy Show By “Mr Mommet” aka Town Crier, David Milton.

London-based professional Mariachi Ole played folk music from Mexico performing with Marcelo – a famous face from the television advert Aldi: I Like it Like That.

There was a spectacular aerial flying display by The Global Stars Team at 7.30pm. with astounding looping, rolling, crisscrossing and mirror flying across the sky.

On Sunday, at the traditional Carnival Fayre Grounded Circus performed their awe-inspiring specialised circus, cabaret and aerial shows and welcomed back were Jurassic friends from Raptors World, Raptor & Rexy.

There was also a variety of fun activities including Brian Bland - Archery, inflatables and rides, stalls, food and ice-cream vendors. The White Family ran a Carnival fundraising stall to “Guess the weight of the Pony”. The winner was Sandie Hornby. The Grab-A-Grand Draw winner was Paul Robbins.

Organisers said: “Many thanks to everyone who came along. We very much appreciate your continuing support and hope everyone had a splendid time. See you next year – last weekend in July.”

They also thank Watchet Town Council, the Watchet Carnival Team and road marshals (all volunteers) for all their hard work; and DJ Paul Stevens (Elliot’s Touch) and Ben Prescott (Prescott Entertainment) for announcing the acts with an excellent selection of music.