Backlash as carnival axed with just 25 minutes to go

ONE of North Devon's most popular street parties was cancelled over the weekend due to bad weather, with residents just as disappointed as its organisers.

- ABIGAIL NEEP

Officials behind Barnstaple Carnival made the decision to call off the procession and fireworks, just 25 minutes before it was due to start due to sudden strong winds announced on Saturday.

In a post on Facebook, a spokesperson said: “We are hugely disappointed to announce we have had to call off the carnival procession. We are all as gutted as you, and more so for our entrants who looked fantastic. Sadly the weather was not on side today.”

They later added that the fireworks display also had to be cancelled and apologised to those who were planning on attending the carnival. The spokesperson said: “Just to confirm, the fireworks have also been cancelled. Sorry everyone.”

Town residents and others looking forward to the event shared their disappointment at the news, with many suggesting strong winds and bad weather never stopped them in the past.