Wells Carnival a runaway success, despite hiccups

Wells Carnival was a spectacular success with a large crowd enjoying a bumper entry of dazzling floats.

It was not without drama though, as one float caught fire and three others had their lighting fail on the same corner.

The fire happened early on the route on the Vagabonds Carnival Club entry and it damaged the top of the middle of the float.

The fire brigade put it out though and the float’s dancers ran through the route instead, waving to the crowds.

The was the only major delay this year, but the corner at the junction of Sadler Street, New Street and Chamberlain Street proved to be the undoing of a trio of entries.

The floats by Gemini CC, Ramblers CC and Marketeers CC all went dark as the drivers tried to negotiate going over the curb at this corner – it was a real shame as all three looked as if they were spectacular if they were lit up.

The corner was almost the undoing of crowd favourite Wild Bill’s Runaway Train by Gremlins CC as well as the driver got his approach wrong and almost drove into a wall.

A swift reverse later, something not often seen on a carnival route, and he was away but it was a nerve-wracking moment for those on the float nevertheless.

These wobbles should not detract from the night, however, with the Gremlins entry leading the way.

The train rocked and rolled as it made it’s made along the street and youngsters watched with mouths agape.

Other favourites were Tusk by Griffens CC featuring giant wholly mammoths, Odyssey by Masqueraders CC featuring Vikings and sea monsters, and the moving Spirit of the Blitz by Huckyduck CC.

The weather even stayed dry for most of the procession, so the organisers will hope for a decent collection from the spectators to give to charity.

If you weren't able to go, you can get a taste by looking at the gallery