Okehampton's annual Carnival procession set to light up the town

The dark winter nights may be almost upon us, but Okehampton town centre is set to become blaze of colour this Saturday night as the annual Carnival procession passes through the town, rounding off a week-long programme of activities and events.

The day begins with a coffee morning at the Charter Hall at 9.30am.  From 1.30pm, the children's fancy dress will be judges at the Hall, along with the best-dressed window competition. 

Carnival prince and princess, Matthew Dell and Chloe Funnell, will be then crowned by Mayor Rev Mike Davies in School Way at 3pm, signalling the start of the children's parade. 

The youngsters' procession will leave School Way at 3.15pm, passing through Market Street, Fore Street and East Street before returning to School Way.  Road closures will be in place from 3pm until the end of the procession.

The carnival queen Conniejayne Bailey will be crowned by the mayor on Mill Road at 7pm.   

The main parade will then set off at 7.15pm and travel through George Street, Fore Street, East Street, Crediton Road, Limehayes Road, and Exeter Road, before heading back to George Street.  

Changes to the bus timetable 

To make way for the Carnival, several stops in the Okehampton area will not be served by the following three bus services: 

- The 510 at 1510 from Okehampton to Exeter 

- The 510 at 1540 from Okehampton to Exeter 

- The 599 at 1830 from Exeter to Bude 

Passengers normally boarding at the stops on Fore Street, Mill Road, Limehayes Road, Monkey Puzzle Drive and Stockley will need to use the stops on West Street instead.