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Pre Carnival Press release

The brightly coloured bunting is up and Stoke Gabriel is ready for a whole week of carnival fun.

The millpond challenge will launch carnival week this Saturday.  From model yacht to monster raft races the competition will be fierce and the laughter will be loud.

The laughter continues into the evening with song and dance at the magic of the musicals variety show.  Stoke Gabriel’s inhabitants are becoming well known for their theatrical talents.

“More than any other year the village are getting involved,” said Rebecca Cogger, one of the organisers, and the rest of the week is packed with events organised by local people. Children’s events include a crabbing contest, fancy dress competition, pet show, junior cricket and a teddy bear’s picnic. Budding rock stars between eight and 17 years old, will get their chance to perform to an audience in Stoke Gabriel’s very own rock school. “It will be lots of fun and a great chance for young people to show what they can do when given the opportunity,” said Laura Kies, another of the organisers.  If a rock concert is not your thing then more sedentary evening events include prize bingo, euchre and a quiz night.

Saturday, August 5, will see the village come alive to the beating of drums and the honking of horns as the grand procession takes its tour around the village.  Setting off at 6.30pm, the procession, led by Okehampton Town Band, will be made up of the glitziest trailers with lights and music as well as walking entries which often include tourists staying in the local area who join in the fun too.  As the procession ends, the stalls will open at the ‘fun of the fair’ in the school field with a bouncy castle and a birds of prey display.  Hungry and thirsty carnival goers will be refreshed and restored at the barbeque and the beer tent. 

At 8pm there will be an exodus from the school field to the Church House car-park where the The Dartbeats will rock the village late into the evening: “This is always a highlight of the week.  Many holiday makers return year after year to soak up the great atmosphere,” said Laura.

Sunday, August 6, will be a gentler affair with a river treasure hunt and strawberries and cream at the River Shack.  At 6.30pm, the Rev David Treby will lead an open air songs of praise at a service on the quay.

To enter a float in the carnival call June Bangham on 01803 782000. 

 For more information about the events go to www.stokegabriel.co.uk.

By Julie Goodall ( of Stoke Gabriel)

25 July 2006