A FEAST of music has been promised at this year?s Tavistock Carnival, which kicks off on Saturday July 8. The town?s Lions Club has finalised the programme of events for the carnival, which begins with a Jazz at the Bridge night at Harford Bridge Holiday Park, when the Roger Marks Jazz Band and the Martin Bell Quartet will be providing the entertainment. Tickets cost £8 in advance from the St Luke?s Hospice shop in Tavistock or £10 on the night. Steve Grummitt, Lions spokesman, said: ?The musical theme continues on the Monday night, with the folk music night featuring many popular local soloists and groups and which this year moves to the function room at the Ordulph Arms.? Steve said the Lions were particularly pleased that the choir of St Matthew?s Episcopal Church from Pacific Palisades, California, were including a concert in the town on Wednesday July 12 in the parish church, as part of its UK and Ireland summer tour. The 28-strong choir will perform a varied concert, including works from the Negro spiritual tradition, American folk songs and traditional music from European and American composers. Entrance costs £5 and proceeds from the concert will be donated to the parish church organ restoration fund. There will be more music on the Friday night of carnival week when rock group Black Jack will play at the Union Inn in King Street. Other events during carnival week include the baby show in the parish church centre on Saturday July 8 and the special ?Fun in the Meadows? day on Sunday July 9, when entertainment for all the family is guaranteed with a pet and dog show, music from Blowzone, a penalty shoot-out, competitions, stalls, children?s rides and the crowning of carnival princess Beth Standing and her attendants Rebecca Eldridge and Kayleigh Gatcum. The day also incorporates Tavistock Flower and Craft Show, including 58 classes for flowers, pot plants, cakes, handicrafts and photography. Entry forms are available from Trecanna Nursery at Latchley, Tavistock Library and can also be downloaded from the Lions website at http://www.tavistocklions.org.uk">www.tavistocklions.org.uk ? further information is available from Vicky Holloway on 07769 571263. On Monday night the parish bowls competition takes place in the Meadows and youngsters can show off their artistic talents in the pavement artists? competition on Tuesday night. A cycle treasure hunt takes place on Wednesday, starting from Bedford Square at 6.30pm and on Thursday, the annual town race takes place, organised by Tavistock Athletic Club. Steve said: ?For those who like to drink and definitely not drive, Friday sees the three-legged pub race at 8pm, when teams of two race between various pubs within the town, taking light refreshment at each location.? Carnival week reaches a climax on Saturday July 15 with an all-day fair in Bedford Square and the carnival parade around the town during the evening. The theme for this year?s parade is ?Peoples of the World? ? Tavistock Lions collected a record £3,060 in their buckets during last year?s event and are hoping to break their own record again this year. The event finishes with the carnival draw at 8pm in Bedford Square. This year?s carnival has been sponsored by George Wimpey, which is building a new development at Tavistock Manor. Jeff Lea, carnival chairman, said the Lions were very grateful for Wimpey?s support, which is enabling the club to cover the costs of staging the procession and the hire of the marquee for the flower show. Organisations which will benefit from this year?s event include local branches of the Lupus charity, Riding for the Disabled, Hearing Dogs for the Deaf, Mencap, the British Heart Foundation and Tavistock Area Support Services.
