Carnival spirit - Overall winner
The true spirit of community carnival dominated and won through from the moment South Zeal's annual Carnival began with young children gathering in the early windswept, rain-soaked, afternoon for their fancy-dress competition and parade, until the last of those in the evening main procession left the village lane for the warmth and comfort of home. The young ones during the afternoon may have missed their own parade but the fun enjoyed in Victory Hall instead soon made up for that and added value came when the St John Boys Brigade Band entertained all age groups with their marvellous music. The afternoon's weather, however, did affect the evening event and some 'visiting' floats, with distance to travel, reluctantly decided early on to withdraw and ensure the safety of their creations for future use. None could have forecast even an hour before the parade that the weather would ease.

Slightly depleted, but undaunted, the floats and walking entries began to fill the assembly area as time approached for judging. Villagers responded, thronging the lane as yet another colourful and light filled Carnival procession enjoyed a break in the weather that ensured the fantasy parade led by the Carnival Queen, Lyndsey Conner, attended by Sophie Hookway, Hayley Hale and Abbie and Gina Brint with Carnival Prince Callum and Princess Bethany Webber close by, was enjoyed by villagers and visitors in South Zeal and Sticklepath. Participation by the Tavistock Majorettes and the musicians of the Hatherleigh Band was very much appreciated by onlookers and entrants alike as the Carnival succeeded, seemingly at times against all odds at times, to fill a day with fun for everyone, thanks to the organisers and every person, big or small, who took part. Having worked so valiantly throughout the year, the organisers probably face a financial setback but as onlookers left at the end of a entertaining evening they were unanimous in agreeing that they now deserve the support of more local pubs, groups and businesses to ensure carnival will continue.

Ursula Radford