DAWLISH carnival organisers have said that this year's opening event attracted the largest number of spectators for years. Local celebrity Tony England kicked-off the week-long celebration with an impromptu singing performance. 'The crowds starting dancing and requesting more. It was excellent,' enthused Darren Wright, carnival press officer. 'It was one of the biggest opening days we've had for many years, with around 2,000 spectators.' The weeks major attractions included the air show and carnival procession. The carnival procession, which was presided over by its own royal family, set off from Oak Hill, winding down to Brunswick Place, included all the usual favourites, such as the Wakefield Majorettes, Exeter Pipe Band, the all-singing, all-shooting Tamar Valley Westerners and Dawlish's very own British Legion Red Barrows. The event ended with a party on the Lawn with music provided by the Real Steel Band from Plymouth. Local band Rampant Carnivores performed live on the bandstand before the carnival procession. A pig roast and beer tent helped keep hunger pangs at bay. New for this year was an open air showing of the family fantasy blockbuster Chronicles of Narnia, on the Lawn.
