Young Grace is Carnival Queen for this year’s village procession

A PROMPT start for Newton Poppleford’s Carnival procession is planned for tomorrow (Saturday) night.

“We have only ever been late once, and that was when two tractors unfortunately had punctures,” said Jackie Barnard, carnival chairman. “We have a very good team of marshalls.”

About 20 floats and 15 walking entries will set off from Exmouth Road “prompt” at 8pm, and it will be young Grace Kubaczka’s crowning moment as Newton Poppleford Carnival Queen.

Grace, 12, was the only girl to put herself forward this year as another contender was away when the selection took place.

Those keen to hold the Carnival Queen title attend the village fete during the summer to make a speech outlining why they want to take the crown.

Other Queen floats will take part in the procession, which goes through the village and finishes at Bridge End.

Two teams of majorettes, Karizma from Axminster, which contains members from Newton Poppleford, and Seaton Majorettes, will also process through the village.

Floats from South Brent and Bovey Tracey will join local groups from East Devon.

“We are hoping for a good turnout and hope people will be generous,” said Jackie, who explained the money raised helps pay the �3,500 cost of staging the carnival each year.

The committee also tries to give part of its collection to local charities and keep a little back as a back-up if fundraising events get rained off.