THOUSANDS of people enjoyed the spectacle of Wellington Carnival on Saturday evening, lining the road from Rockwell Green to the town centre.

Harlequin swept the board with most awards but Gemini CC, one of the big clubs that supports the Carnival, was unable to take part as its tractor unit suffered a major breakdown.

The event had an international flavour with 40 members of Rochal Twirl majorettes from La Roche-Chalais in the Dordogne area of France and 12 visitors from Wellington’s twin town in Portugal, Torres Vedras, taking part.

A new initiative to encourage Carnival-goers to buy merchandise from official sources rather than out-of-town traders was successful, said Carnival chairman Dave Rylatt.

“The merchandise was sold pre-carnival by three schools – Wellesley Park, Rockwell Green and Beech Grove – and sales from these exceeded £1,000,” he said. “Very little stock is left – which will be now passed on to Ilminster – which suggests the initiative paid off and should make a massive impact on the amount of money raised, which ultimately goes back to local groups and charities.

“This is our first year trying this – we learnt lots of lessons and there’s lots more we could do with a bit more help. Our thanks go out to every organisation which helped out. All will receive donations from Carnival.”

Carnival secretary Louise Brierley said tears were shed when the party from France headed home. “I am so emotional at the moment – we dropped the girls down to Bridport on Monday for their final visit before travelling back to France,” she said.

“They were only here for a long weekend but most of us were in tears seeing them depart – many friendships were made over the weekend and we are now determined to reciprocate the arrangements in May 2017.”