WITH so much interest being shown in the heritage of Tavistock with the hoped for redevelopment of the former guildhall and police station as a heritage gateway centre and the visit last year of the Man Engine celebrating the mining heritage of the area, the choice of ‘Heritage, Myths and Legends’ by the Lions Club of Tavistock as this year’s carnival procession theme almost seemed a foregone conclusion.

This year carnival week starts on Friday, July 7. A ceilidh, baby show and entertainment from local choirs will take place over the weekend ahead of a fun day in the Meadows on July 9. This year the fun day will include a sheep dog demonstration and at 3pm the crowning of Ella Baker as the new Carnival Princess accompanied by her attendants Lila Kingsland and Imogen Roots.

Other popular events during the week will include the apvement artist’s competition, a multi media quiz at the Bedford Hotel, the ‘Concert in the Church’ which will include a Flanders and Swann tribute act, Simon Dell walking and talking about Tavistock’s heritage, myths and legends and the trader’s skittles match in the Tavy Club.

Returning this year on the Tuesday evening will be the dog walkers’ barbecue with an easy three mile round walk followed by the Lions’ legendary burgers!

Saturday, July 15 is carnival day, the highlight being the procession, which starts at Down Road at 6.30pm.

In response to comments about last year’s judging process when the entrants were judged on route, the club will be returning to the previous system where the entrants were judged before the procession moves off.

The winner of each category and the overall ‘best in procession’ awards will be presented in Down Road and all entrants will receive a certificate in recognition of their commitment, enthusiasm and support but for practical reasons this will be forwarded to them approximately a week or so after the carnival.

Specific prize money is not being awarded this year but the practice of giving each entrant a donation towards their organisation/charity is being retained. Trade organisations are asked to forward their donation to a local charity of their choice.

‘Heritage, Myths and Legends’ gives a very wide scope for interpretation and the club is looking forward to seeing many interesting entries. Last year’s procession was considered to be the best for many years and has already resulted in new groups showing interest in participating.

For those wishing to take part, fill in the entry form shown on this page or on the club’s Facebook page and return it to Lion John Dawson who can also advise on any health and safety issues relating to entries (see entry form for contact details).

Full details for the carnival week will be published in due course on the Club’s website at www.tavistocklions.org.uk or on its Facebook page and also in the carnival programme that will be distributed to homes in the area by club members at the beginning of July.