As a fairly recent convert to our local carnivals, it was a real joy to be present at Ilminster's this last weekend. In addition to the magificent 'big floats', which cost many man hours and tens of thousands ofpounds to put together, and with carnivals across the region competing for funds, it was not surprising to see an increase in the number of individual entries. Local people, both adults and children, had clearly made a real effort to come up with eye catching individual and imaginative costumes. I couldn't help but notice also the large number of majorettes that eagerly participated, their energy and enthusiasm catching - who says we don't exercise enough round here?
The great turnout lining the streets, in excellent weather conditions, was testament to the continuing popularity of carnivals, and rightly so; where else could you get such entertainment, fit for all the family, for free.
Those who are lucky enough to live along the carnival route, helped to swell the money collected by inviting friends and family round to join in the celebrations, charging each £5, and raising over £200.
Car parking at the new medical centre must have been a real boon, and I do hope they donated the proceeds to carnival funds.
Only one thing marred the success of the event, the huge amount of litter left at the end of the day, collected as a service to the town, by stoic members of the Ilminster Forum team, and members of the town council. Next year, more bins needed perhaps, or more likely, a little more pride in our town?