PORLOCK Carnival proved counterintuitive on Saturday evening (September 7) as the watching crowds were slightly reduced in numbers on previous years because of the poor weather - yet, the fund-raising buckets brought in a near-record amount.

Carnival chairman Phil Weaver said at least £2,000 had been raised, money which will later be shared between the village’s charities, organisations, and good causes.

It was the 38th carnival to be held in Porlock, a total which would have been 40 this year if it was not for the Covid pandemic.

Porlock is the last village on Exmoor still to hold a regular carnival procession, the first one taking place in 1978 as part of the late Queen’s silver jubilee, and then becoming an annual event in 1986.

Mr Weaver said: “It was a fantastic parade, really brilliant.

“The weather was such that it just made it possible for us to put on the carnival without everybody getting drenched.”

The procession, which featured 14 floats and walking entries, took almost an hour to wind its way through the village centre streets.

It was led by Porlock Town Crier Grant Dennis followed by Mr Weaver in his colourful shirt ahead of the village’s fire engine and firefighters, and then members of Minehead Coastguards making a return appearance.

Carnival queen Ayla Harrison with her princess Isabella Campion and prince Henry Ellicott rode on a float ahead of the rest of procession.

The overall carnival winner was a joint Lynmouth and Minehead entry marking the 125th anniversary of the overland launch of the lifeboat Louisa and the 200th anniversary of the foundation of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.

Stepping in at short notice was the Barnstaple Town Band, while Mr Weaver said ‘the largest group of majorettes I have ever seen’ from Wellington also gave displays.

Mr Weaver said: “I would personally like to thank everybody who took part and everybody who came to watch.

“Our marshals and stewards and our ‘bucketeers’ deserve praise as well and the paramedics and our committee and sponsors who are so important.”

Results

Adult mobile float – 1 Tribute to Abba, Nick Lynn and company; 2 Barbie Doll, Kirsty Bishop and friends.

Junior mobile float – 1 Pantastic, St Dubricius School.

Individual adult – 1 The King, Jim Moles; 2 The Railway Navvy Story, Chris Miles; 3 The Vintage Car, Bill Meacham.

Individual under-16 – 1 Hot Dog, Henry Thrush.

Adult walking group – 1 Louisa 125 and RNLI 200, Minehead and Lynmouth RNLI; 2 All the King’s Horses, Porlock Panto Group; 3 All You Need is Love, Porlock Ladies.

Junior walking group – 1 Harry Potter and the Hungarian Haunting, Graham Haw; 2 Animal Magic, Carol Lang.

Trade/pub/hotel – 1 Bill and Ben Flowerpot Men, Porlock Hardware; 2 Pharmacy Round-Up, Porlock Pharmacy.

Best visitors - Louisa 125 and RNLI 200.

Best comic entry - All the King’s Horses.

Best topical entry – Love Where You Live, Lyn Davis.

Chairman’s choice – Wave of Prayer, St Dubricius Church.

Overall winner - Louisa 125 and RNLI 200.