Okehampton Carnival is a neon celebration

Okehampton Carnival put on a fantastic show on Saturday night - with a neon theme.

As ever, the community entered into the spirit of the occasion, with creative costumes and floats and plenty of sparkle, music and dancing.

Okehampton Guides and Brownies dressed up as sea creatures, coming second in the costumed group with vehicle class.

Meanwhile a family group from Spreyton and Okehampton, led by Lou Butler, chose the snowy kingdom of Narnia as their theme, winning ‘best children’s overall’ as well as ‘best local decorated tableaux’.

Lou, whose daughter Izzy Bird played Narnia’s Queen, said she’s chosen it “because my kids got given a snow machine, so we had to do something snow-themed - we’ve already chosen our theme for next year!”

Members of Footsteps School of Dance, meanwhile, paid tribute to the late great Country legend Dolly Parton, dancing to famous ‘Nine to Five’ through the streets. They won first prize in the ‘costumed group with vehicle’ class.

Carnival spokesperson Karen Penna said: “Okehampton exploded into a neon wonderland for what was hands-down one of the brightest, and loudest town carnivals we’ve seen in a long time! Thousands of locals and visitors packed the pavements to watch a large line up of spectacular parade entries.”

She added: “The energy was electric this year, thanks to a dazzling wave of neon outfits and glowing accessories worn by both the entries and the crowd. As day turned to dusk, the town was transformed into a shifting sea of neon pinks, greens and yellows. Everywhere you looked, flashing headbands, glowing necklaces, and light-up wands turned the processional route into one giant, glowing street party!

“An epic weekend like this doesn't just happen by magic. A massive, glowing thank you goes out to our incredible class sponsors, whose generous support makes funding these competitive parade categories possible. We also owe a huge debt of gratitude to the superstar team of marshals who kept the whole show rolling safely. “

Results: Best Local - 50 Years of Aardman; Best Visitor - Hatherleigh Carnival Queen; Best Children’s - Narnia; Best Overall - 50 Years of Aardman; Best in Procession, Kingdom of Rhythm Samba Band.

Local Artistic, 1st, 50 Years of Aardman, Sprocket Carnival Club; Local Decorated Tableaux, 1st, Narnia, Dead Good Friends Club; Trade, 1, Fleetwood Mac, E J Fry Transport, 2 Clarkson’s Farm, E J Fry Transport. 3, Webber Transport.

Visiting Carnival Royalty Tableaux: 1, Hatherleigh Carnival Queen; 2, Launceston Carnival Princess. Young Farmers Clubs: 1, Devon County Council, Okehampton; 2, 100 Years of David Attenborough; 3, Children’s TV, Chulmleigh & Alverdiscott. Costumed groups with vehicle: 1 Let’s Go Dolly, Footsteps School of Dance; 2, Under the Sea, Girlguiding Okehampton. Costumed entry under 16, 1, Dancing Dino – Erica Friend. Costumed Collector over 16, 1, Happy Scarecrow – Graham Jones; 2, Town Cryer, Terry Harrison.

Costumed Collectors over 16, 2 or more: 1, Carnival Combo, Karl Funnell & Paul Dell. Costumed Groups, adults and children: 1, All Things Bright & Beautiful, Friends of St James School. Costumed Entries, with decorated, non-motorised vehicle: 1, Vallance Family & Friends; 2, Scouts on Tour, Okehampton Scout Group. Decorated Wheelbarrow, Muay Thai Academy.