THE Somerset carnival season is off to a terrific start as the Wellington Carnival didn't disappoint in lighting up the town.

At least 50 entries from various carnival clubs, groups and individuals took part in the procession, which included spectacular carts from big-name carnivalites Gemini, Rubalo, Nunsford Nutters and Harlequin.

Held on September 29, thousands of people lined the streets to watch the glittering procession which featured some of the best floats in the history of the event.

People turned out to line the route of the procession from its start in Rockwell Green to its end at the Lidl roundabout.

Special awards at the carnival include Best Costume on Foot which went to Jacks CC, Best Make Up On Foot which went to Extreme CC and two awards for the Wellington Pantomime Society, where they picked up Best Wellington Town Entry and Best Local Entry.

Rubalo JCC picked up five special awards after an impressive display at the carnival.

This includes Best Dressed Tractor Driver, Best Children’s Entry, Spirit of Carnival, Best Costume On Cart and Best Make Up On Cart.

Just can’t get rid of that carnival fever? Then worry not, as carnivals in Somerset continue throughout October and November with the next big carnival coming to Taunton in October.

Taunton Carnival is held annually, every third Saturday in October.

Starting on 19 October 2024, the Taunton Carnival will commence at 7pm from Tangier Bridge.

The procession will begin on Tangier Bridge, go down Tangier Way and turn right onto Bridge Street, then up North Street, East Street and down East Reach before stopping at the bottom of East Reach and dispersing in Chritchard Way.

A massive congratulations to everyone who got involved at this year’s Wellington Carnival. The full list of results is as follows:

FEATURE
1st – Harlequin CC
2nd – Gemini CC

COMIC
1st – Nunsford Nutters CC
2nd – One Plus One CC

YOUTH
1st – Rubalo JCC
2nd – Pickles JCC
3rd – Dylan Norman

OPEN
1st – Zem CC
2nd – Chard Carnival Royality

WALKING ADULT
1st – Jacks CC
2nd – Tizzy’s CC
3rd – Spirit CC

WALKING JUVENILE
1st – Jenson Eyre

WALKING PAIRS
1st – A&A CC

WALKING GROUPS
1st – Extreme CC
2nd – Wellington Pantomime Group
3rd – Genesis Youth Group

TRADE
1st – Mates With Mater
2nd – Devon Trucks

MAJORETTES
1st – South Petherton
2nd – Wellington
3rd – Marriott
4th – Somerset Red Arrows

NON-FEDERATION WALKING
1st – Portuguese
2nd – Wellington Folk Society
3rd – Oake, Bradford, Nynehead School