THE programme for this summer?s Tavistock Carnival has been announced, with organisers hoping the event will be the town?s biggest and best yet. To commemorate the 900th anniversary of the granting of the town?s market charter, the Lions Club, which organises the carnival, has decided on a parade theme entitled ?Tavistock ? past, present and future?. Steve Grummitt, Lions spokesman, said: ?From monasteries to markets, Drake to Dartmoor, the participants will have plenty of scope for the design of their floats and in doing so, celebrate the heritage of the wonderful town of Tavistock.? Steve said the Lions have also decided the hard working organisations who participate in the parade should benefit even more from funds raised during carnival week. ?They have decided to award cash prizes of £120, £80 and £60 to those coming first, second and third respectively in the artistic and humorous classes, and £60, £40 and £30 to those coming first, second and third respectively in the walking and visiting queens classes. ?These new prizes will be given in addition to the £200 for best in procession and £150 for best in theme.? Steve said the club would also be supporting local branches of the RNLI and the NSPCC. Carnival week starts on Saturday July 9 with ?Jazz at the Bridge?, an evening when jazz lovers can combine a picnic while enjoying boogie woogie and classical jazz performed by the Original Rags, the Martin Dale Quartet and Pennyroyal Jazz Band at Harford Bridge Holiday Park ? gates open at 6pm. On the same night, the popular Loveny Male Voice Choir will be performing in Tavistock Parish Church at 7.30pm. During the day, there will be a chance for tiny tots to enter the baby show being held in the parish rooms, starting at 10am. On Sunday July 10, 11-year-old Charlotte Rice will be crowned as carnival queen, with her attendants Katie Vella and Emily May, during a fun day in the Meadows. During the afternoon, there will be musical entertainment provided by Blowzone, a dog show, penalty shoot out competition, stalls and children?s rides. On Monday July 11, the annual parish bowls match will be staged in the Meadows at 6pm, while the Bedford Hotel plays host to a folk night. The pavement outside Woolworths will be transformed on the Tuesday evening, when youngsters take part in the pavement art competition at 6pm. On Thursday July 14, teams will be limbering up for the popular town race, organised by Tavistock Athletic Club, Meadowlands pool will be staging a swimming gala and there will be a cycle treasure hunt around the Meadows. All these events will be rounded off by a barbecue organised by the Lions at Meadowlands. On the Friday there will be live music at the Union Inn in Tavistock, and three-legged teams will be racing around the pubs of the town. Steve said: ?This three-legged race is another fun way that people can raise money during carnival week by getting sponsorship ? entry forms will be available from participating pubs nearer the time.? Carnival day is on Saturday July 16, with an all-day fun fair in Bedford Square and the parade of floats, bands, carnival queens and walking entries leaving Down Road at 6.30pm. It is also the last chance to buy carnival draw tickets from Lions members. Steve said: ?Last year the bucket collection was a record £2,593 and the Lions are confident that this record can be beaten again this year with the help of everybody in the town.?
