The first weekend of the 10 Parishes Festival in Wiveliscombe and its surrounding communities – Ashbrittle, Bathealton, Brompton Ralph, Clatworthy, Chipstable with Waterrow, Fitzhead, Huish Champflower, Milverton and Stawley – attracted big crowds to the Street Market this weekend.
In very bright sunshine visitors thronged the town’s narrow streets where stalls selling local food, drinks, crafts and gifts seemed very busy. There was entertainment from bands and a blacksmith showing children how to bend metal.
The highlight of the afternoon was the greenest possible Carnival Parade with wheelbarrows the only transport allowed. This year the theme was characters from Roald Dahl’s books to celebrate his September birthday. Dahl himself would have been impressed with the ingenuity and creativity on display, not least in a giant peach, a glass elevator and the BFG.
The 10 Parishes Festival runs until 13 September. More than 100 events are scheduled to take place covering paintings, photographs, drawing, sculpture, jewellery, pottery, poetry, theatre, music, film, circus and much more. Guides to all the events and booking details are available from Wellington Library and local shops.