MORE than 25,000 people enjoyed the delights of Teignmouth Carnival last week.
Blighted by just one day of wet weather, visitors and locals alike flocked to the town for fun activities including children's entertainment, live music and crafts for all ages.
A highlight for good-humoured antics was the tug of war, which attracted about 2,000 spectators and 170 entries.
The event was won by a team from the Devon Fire and Rescue Service, Record entries filled the carnival procession on Friday, which took almost two hours to snake through the town.
The spectacular annual firework display proved to be a last minute headache for organisers.
Usually held on the main beach, high tides and licensing rules meant that they had to find elsewhere just a week before the event. Licensees would not grant permission for use on the The Point, Ness or the Corinthian Yacht Club. Thankfully, Shaldon resident Dr Nicholas Cooling offered up a field for the popular event.
But it did not prove popular with all spectators. Carnival spokesman Paul Burgess said: 'With hindsight, it probably was not the best place but with just a week to go, we either went with it or there would have been no fireworks. 'Some people complained, but others said it was great because they didn't have to leave their hotels to see the display.'
'What we do next year depends on feedback, so let us know what we could change or could do better, said Mr Burgess. He said that the carnival signalled a start of things to come with a more inclusive itinery with something for all ages including teenagers and grandparents.
The battle of the bands on Saturday night provided a forum for young musicians while others enjoyed gymnastics, salsa and tae kwon do. Collections were healthy this year and businesses really benefited from the extra trade, said Mr Burgess.
'Some traders and restaurant owners said that takings were the best they had had. 'I would like to say thanks to the West Devon Emergency Group, police and cleansing services who made sure everything went so smoothly.
'A big thanks too to mayor Cllr Geoff Bladon and Dave Tickell for their help.'
Teignbridge MP Richard Younger-Ross helped youngsters make badges and Cllr Bladon gave the winner of the colouring competition, Alice Donnellan, nine, a VIP ride in the mayoral car at the front of the procession.