CHERITON Fitzpaine hosted its biggest and best bi-annual carnival to-date on Saturday, July 18.

The Diamond Twirlers dancing through Cheriton Fitzpaine during the carnival, video Alan Quick

Children on the Cheriton Fitzpaine Primary School tableau. AQ 5877
Children on the Cheriton Fitzpaine Primary School tableau. AQ 5877 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

Cheriton Fitzpaine King and Queen and the Royal Party in the horse drawn carriage. AQ 5968
Cheriton Fitzpaine King and Queen and the Royal Party in the horse drawn carriage. AQ 5968 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)
Vintage tractors formed part of Cheriton Carnival parade. AQ 6064
Vintage tractors formed part of Cheriton Carnival parade. AQ 6064 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

In addition, it was also one of the most colourful, crowds of people watching the array of tableaux, walking entries, vintage vehicles, majorettes and much more which made up the largest parade the carnival has seen in recent years.

Cheriton Fitzpaine Drama Group ‘The Dames’ and The Fitz Dippers Swimming Group tableau was entitled Dames in Peril on the Sea. AQ 5787
Cheriton Fitzpaine Drama Group ‘The Dames’ and The Fitz Dippers Swimming Group tableau was entitled Dames in Peril on the Sea. AQ 5787 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

One of the bands playing in Cheriton Fitzpaine after the parade. AQ 6136
One of the bands playing in Cheriton Fitzpaine after the parade. AQ 6136 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)
The Diamond Twirlers from Tiverton danced their way through Cheriton Fitzpaine. AQ 5843
The Diamond Twirlers from Tiverton danced their way through Cheriton Fitzpaine. AQ 5843 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

Judging took place on Cheriton Fitzpaine Primary School field before the parade.

For the first ever time, the carnival had King and a Queen this year.

John Tonkin (9), was recently crowned King by his older sister Belle, who was Carnival Queen two years ago.

Stella Swain, as Madam Butterfly, was the best walking entry, pictured with judges Hazel Evely, left and Hazel and Andy Norton, right. AQ 5906
Stella Swain, as Madam Butterfly, was the best walking entry, pictured with judges Hazel Evely, left and Hazel and Andy Norton, right. AQ 5906 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)
Crediton Community Samba Band before the start at Cheriton Fitzpaine Carnival. AQ 5931
Crediton Community Samba Band before the start at Cheriton Fitzpaine Carnival. AQ 5931 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

Belle also crowned Bee Sandover (11) as Queen.

John and his family sold £1,780 of Carnival raffle tickets and Bee and her family sold £1,030 to qualify for the positions.

Attendants were Bethan Mackie, Jaspa Smith, Erin Nicol and Bertie Nicol.

Cheriton Fitzpaine Carnival Committee with Carnival judges, from left, Andy and Hazel Norton and Hazel Evelyn. AQ 5994
Cheriton Fitzpaine Carnival Committee with Carnival judges, from left, Andy and Hazel Norton and Hazel Evelyn. AQ 5994 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

They rode in a carriage pulled by a fine pair of horses near the front of the parade.

Trophy winners were Cheriton Fitzpaine Primary School with Under the Sea and Stella Swain dressed as Madam Butterfly.

The Carnival Committee said afterwards: “What a fantastic Carnival!

Cheriton Fitzpaine Garden Club marked its 100th birthday, female members dressed as ‘Flappers’. AQ 5806
Cheriton Fitzpaine Garden Club marked its 100th birthday, female members dressed as ‘Flappers’. AQ 5806 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)
St Matthew’s and St Mary’s churches had a float displaying a Teddy Bears Picnic. AQ 5853
St Matthew’s and St Mary’s churches had a float displaying a Teddy Bears Picnic. AQ 5853 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)
Vintage vehicles in the Cheriton Fitzpaine Carnival procession. AQ 6056
Vintage vehicles in the Cheriton Fitzpaine Carnival procession. AQ 6056 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

“We would like to say a massive THANK YOU to everyone who came along, joined in and helped make the day so special. Seeing so many people out enjoying themselves and supporting our community is what makes it all worthwhile!

“A very special thank you to WDEG, The Half Moon, Cheriton Fitzpaine Primary School, and of course all of our amazing entrants who put so much time, effort and creativity into taking part!

Pineapples, like the theme at the pub, was the theme of the Ring of Bells float. AQ 5818
Pineapples, like the theme at the pub, was the theme of the Ring of Bells float. AQ 5818 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)
Some of the drivers ready for the off at the Carnival. AQ 5835
Some of the drivers ready for the off at the Carnival. AQ 5835 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)
Children on the Cheriton Fitzpaine Primary School tableau. AQ 5885
Children on the Cheriton Fitzpaine Primary School tableau. AQ 5885 (Al,an Quick, Crediton Courier)

“And to every single person who volunteered, helped behind the scenes, supported the event or contributed in any way, we couldn't have done it without you!

“Thank you for making this year's Carnival one to remember. See you in 2028!”

Bands entertained until late outside the Half Moon.

On the Ring of Bells float. AQ 6041
On the Ring of Bells float. AQ 6041 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)
Terry Meakin led the parade at Cheriton Fitzpaine, receiving a third prize from Hazel Evely. AQ 5923
Terry Meakin led the parade at Cheriton Fitzpaine, receiving a third prize from Hazel Evely. AQ 5923 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)
The Diamond Twirlers dancing through Cheriton Fitzpaine. AQ 6104
The Diamond Twirlers dancing through Cheriton Fitzpaine. AQ 6104 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)