AS CARNIVALS go Moretonhampstead’s has quite a pedigree.

Since 1921, on the fourth Thursday in August, Moretonians have been celebrating their carnival and this year was no exception.

A small committee works extremely hard to keep this tradition alive, and following the pandemic-enforced break, last Thursday saw revellers take to the streets one again in a noisy, colourful and, above all, fun procession though the moorland town.

There may have been a two year break but the stops were well and truly pulled out for the carnival’s return and crowds thronged the streets as a cast of dragons, two Boris Johnsons, a host of Where’s Wallies, Morris dancers, an elevating space rocket (complete with Sam Ryder) lookalike and numerous other floats and walking entries paraded through the town.

As with the first carnival, just over 100 years ago, the big winners of the event were local charities.

In 1921 it was a fundraising event for the local hospital and monies raised from this year’s carnival will go to numerous supports local charities and causes in and around the town.


► For more photos from the carnival, check out the two page spread in the current edition (01/09/22) of the Mid-Devon Advertiser