THANKS to a community effort, Dawlish Carnival will go-ahead later this month.

After a year of uncertainty, the town will be filled with fun, games and decorations from August 14 to 20.

The carnival committee – known locally as ‘the pinkies’ – have ‘worked their pink socks off’ to deliver a safe but fun event.

Most of the activities will be held outdoors, while others will be welcomed to a bigger marquee and limited ticket sales to make sure social distancing stays possible.

One of the organisers, Angie Weatherhead, said that local businesses made the event possible.

She said: ‘We’ve had loads of support from local businesses who really wanted something for the town.

‘We weren’t going to make a program this year, but after lots of local traders agreed to advertise, we changed course and now have a full program available in lots of shops in the town for just £1.’

Angie is confident that they can hold a safe event in light of the pandemic.

There will be no traditional parade this year through the town this year. However, locals are encouraged to enter the doorstep parade competition. The theme is superheroes and residents are encouraged to decorate the front of their house or shop.

Prizes will be dished out for the best displays. Entries must be submitted by midday, Friday, August 13.

To enter please email: [email protected], or call: 07762 0155 97

THE mayor of Dawlish, Councillor Val Mawhood, has welcomed the news that the carnival will go ahead.

Writing in the upcoming official carnival guide (available in many shops in the town for just £1) the excited councillor said caution will be taken.

‘Here we are once again,’ she wrote.

‘Looking forward to a week of fun. Just the tonic we all need after such horrendous long months of restrictions.’

Cllr Mawhood said she was saddened last year when this highlight for the town had to be cancelled.

She said: ‘The Carnival Committee have been working hard to put together a programme for us all to enjoy once again. There is something for everyone including all the old favourites, other than the parade and glow show.

‘The little ducks have been dusted off and are in training for their own Olympics style swim down the Brook. Teams have been limbering up for the Pram Race and It’s a Knockout competition.

‘No doubt there have been some interesting fancy dress outfits being secretly sewn. It will be fun to see the results. Look out for your favourites in the programme and make sure that you don’t miss anything.’

The mayor offered one small note of caution: ‘The virus is still with us. The organisers ask that we each comply with any guidance they issue either by daily announcements or through the website or Facebook in order to keep us all safe and to ensure the success of this wonderful week of fun!

‘Finally’, she added: ‘I would like to take this opportunity to say congratulations and thank you on behalf of Dawlish Town Council to everyone involved.’